FONTANA, Calif. (KTLA) — Controversy is heating up in over 14 high-powered, semi-automatic rifles purchased by school police in Fontana.
The $19,000 worth of weaponry was purchased a few months ago by the Fontana Unified School District Police Chief Billy Green.
The rifles were ordered back in October — before the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn. — but officials say they hope they’ll prevent any future tragedies.
Some school board members objected to the move at the time, but on Wednesday night, the board voted unanimously in favor of dispatching the rifles.
They will be kept in safes on the campuses, that only school police will have access to.
According to Green, having the weapons could save lives in the event of an active shooter on campus.
Students appear to be divided on the matter — some saying it would make them feel safer, and other saying the rifles are overkill.
“There’s some pretty crazy people out here, so that will help them keep us safe,” one student said.
“I’m not really a gun person and I don’t believe in violence, so I don’t think it’s a good idea,” another student disagreed.
12 Comments to “Fontana School Board OKs High-Powered Rifles”
February 28, 2013 at 7:16 AM
Yeah, a low powered AR15 won't even break the skin. Now go down in your bunker and play with your gun.
February 28, 2013 at 7:36 AM
I guess he deleted his post and returned to his bunker.
February 28, 2013 at 8:31 AM
The cops should be just as armed as the people they may face….there is nothing wrong with this!! Every other department should learn something from the Fontana school police.
February 28, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Not believing in violence won't protect you from a madman. Having these rifles available will give your school police a chance to possibly save your life.
February 28, 2013 at 12:03 PM
an 'active shooter" as opposed to an inactive shooter? would that be a dead shooter.?
.
February 28, 2013 at 12:08 PM
The Presidents children are protected by snipers on rooftops while they are at school.
February 28, 2013 at 3:55 PM
How does the old saying go?
Better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
February 28, 2013 at 4:12 PM
Why are my comments being deleted?
February 28, 2013 at 4:13 PM
I am being censored for telling the truth about these weapons?
February 28, 2013 at 5:57 PM
If the public is armed with these guns or worse than the cops have to have them. I'm hoping FSP can be more responsible than LAPD was with the paper girls, at least I hope. But that is why it is unfair to the cops to allow these guns on the street. Anyone remember the Northridge shootout? Before that the cops didn't even have AR15s in thier cars.
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