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<br />ITEM 7.1. <br /> <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />I am issuing this memorandum to provide background information <br />related to my request to purchase three(3) Heckler and Koch MP5 <br />carbines in 1993. The purchase of these firearms will fulfill <br />two(2) roles which I believe are relevant to the mission of the Elk <br />River Police Department. <br /> <br />First, they will serve as auxiliary firearms to each <br />patrol officers handgun and augment the shotguns <br />currently carried by our officers during normal duty. <br /> <br />Secondly, they will serve as primary firearms for <br />members of the Emergency Response unit (E.R.U.) during <br />critical incidents. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />It is my intent that this memorandum provide sufficient information <br />to allow you to make an informed decision relevant to this request. <br />I will be happy to attend a future council meeting to answer or <br />clarify any questions that you may have. <br /> <br />Backqround <br /> <br />Elk River Police Officers currently carry handguns as their primary <br />defensive firearm while on normal assignment. Handguns provide <br />readily accessible defense to an unexpected deadly assault; <br />however, handguns are not reliably accurate beyond 25 yards. In <br />general handguns also lack reliable "stopping power". Stopping <br />power is the ability of a given round of ammunition to immediately <br />stop the dangerous activity of a suspect, rendering them incapable <br />of continuing their deadly assault. <br /> <br />Recognizing the shortcomings of handguns, our officers are also <br />equipped with 12 gauge shotguns. Shotguns fulfill a need to <br />increase hit potential and also provide significantly increased <br />stopping power over handguns. Shotguns are valuable tools when <br />used within their limitations; however, they do have significant <br />limitations. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />As a patrol sergeant, firearms instructor, and E.R.U. team leader, <br />I recognize the limitations of both handguns and shotguns. I also <br />recognize the dangers these limitations pose to our officers, the <br />general public, and to city administration in the form of civil <br />liability. <br /> <br />720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 · (612) 441-2324 <br />