Gilford police can use own guns
GILFORD — Selectmen on Wednesday approved a police request to allow officers to carry their personal rifles on the job.
Police Chief Anthony Bean Burpee explained why he was supporting the request through a new policy governing the weapons, saying that several officers already have their own rifles, and it would cost about $10,000 for the department to provide them for everyone.
The policy first came up last month, but selectmen delayed action on the request in order to have the chief present to answer questions.
“There would be more accountability if we own them,” Bean Burpee said, “but every year we have a list of items we need, and since several of our officers, including two on the Belknap Regional Special Operations Group have their own weapons, as long as they meet the same qualifications, it frees up other rifles in case we need them.”
The department currently has 10 rifles, which are assigned to patrol vehicles, rather than the officers. That leaves eight officers with only handguns, the chief said, and he is hoping to add two other officers, which would leave half of the force without rifles.
The new policy allows officers to ask permission to carry their personal weapons while on patrols or working their shifts, as long as the weapons are certified and inspected by the department.
Gilford police can use own guns