Some aldermen are pushing to get high-powered rifles into the hands of more Chicago police officers after two plainclothes officers were wounded in a shooting with that kind of weapon.
After Tuesday's shooting, four aldermen who are all former Chicago police officers are pushing to get as many officers trained in using high-powered long guns as quickly as possible. Chicago police have long said they are outgunned by the city's gangs who are favoring these weapons more and more.
The aldermen want to speed up a process that would allow officers to use the guns. They say officers are now allowed to carry the semi-automatic long guns if trained and certified, but there aren't enough instructors.
They are seeking money to hire retired police officers or federal agents to do the training.
