Panel OKs Shotguns for Cycle Officers

Seeking to avert a repeat of the North Hollywood bank shootout, the City’s Council’s Public Safety Committee approved a proposal Monday that would allow LAPD motorcycle officers to carry shotguns.

Councilman Hal Bernson introduced the original motion last week, but the committee substituted one by Councilwoman Laura Chick that she said was identical except for “minor technical differences.” The $60,000 proposal to equip LAPD motorcycles with locking shotgun racks still needs City Council approval before taking effect. It is expected to go before the council next week.

In his motion, Bernson said one of the first officers on the scene of the shootout arrived on a motorcycle carrying only a handgun. Police have said that a shotgun could have knocked down the bank robbers, who wore bulletproof armor and carried AK-47 assault rifles.

Police Sgt. Doug Meyer told the committee Monday the shotguns would help officers in exactly those kinds of situations.

“Our motor patrol officers often arrive before patrol cars,” he said. “They show some hesitation because they feel they are outgunned.”

Meyer said handguns are considered defensive weapons, while shotguns are considered offensive firearms. When pursuing an armed suspect, police are encouraged to use the latter.

Patrol cars are equipped with shotguns. Two motorcycle officers have been using shotguns for the past year in a field test that police have called a success.

The Los Angeles Police Commission approved the shotgun plan in late 1995, but funding for it was eliminated last year due to budget cuts.

In response to concerns by Councilmen Nate Holden and Mike Feuer, Meyer said shotguns were intended for use in responding to calls such as armed robberies and would not be used for routine traffic stops. He added that their use posed no added threat to bystanders.