Most of the police work done by my local PD doesn't require firearms, and the locals know it.
They could easily call in some special squad if required.
On the other hand, I have loaned a local cop a towel so he could help animal control pick up a big, wet dog and put it into the animal control truck without trashing his fresh, start-of-shift uniform.
The local didn't shoot the dog. He didn't need his gun at all. He needed a towel or a smock to protect his dry-cleaning.
/johnny
That is so idealistically saccharine that I'm tearing up right now. Almost seriously.
But you've got me thinking. I'm an extremely frugal person, and you may have a point about saving the taxpayer money. Local law enforcement probably can go without weaponry. Guns, bullets, they cost money.
But towels and smocks are cheap. We agree! Towels and smocks for the Men in Blue!
Just hope the ones who work in the inner city have a good life insurance policy.