Can LEOs Use Their Own Automatic Weapons Considering That They Have a License for It?

Most law enforcement agencies (LEAs) mandate that their members carry and use only department-issued or approved weapons. This includes mandatory training conducted at department facilities. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that any LEA would permit any member to bring their personal full-automatic weapon to work.

Departmental Policies and Control

However, if a law enforcement officer (LEO) legally owns a weapon with full automatic capabilities and is willing to use it in the line of duty, the final decision would ultimately rest with the department policy or controlling authority. Since individual officers must adhere to the same Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) rules for acquiring personal full-automatic weapons, the answer is somewhat ambiguous. But in my opinion, it would be highly imprudent for a member to do so.

Reasons Against Using Personal Full-Auto Weapons

Weapon Age: The newest weapon that an individual could legally own was made before the 1984 cut-off date. Training with such weapons would likely wear them out quickly, and while repair is possible, this can be a tedious process. Cost: Many privately owned full-automatic weapons can be worth $20,000 or more. The risk of damaging or losing these weapons as evidence, not to mention the ongoing maintenance costs, would likely exceed the financial capacity of most individuals. Collectors' Value: Most privately owned full-automatic weapons have collector value and are best considered an investment. While these weapons are fun to shoot, their primary value lies in their rarity and historical significance.

It is important to note that there have been exceptions. For example, a sheriff I knew once owned and carried his own full-auto M14 in his patrol car. At that time, he likely would have been able to pass the background check and pay for the tax stamp, which at that time was around $1,200 in the 1970s. However, it is crucial to consider that this was during a different time and regulation.

Departmental Flexibility and Training

It is worth noting that the use of personal full-auto weapons varies among different departments. Some agencies strictly prohibit the use of any personal weapons, while others either allow or even require officers to supply their own gear. The key aspect is the availability of appropriate training and the proficiency of the officer in using the weapon.

Some departments provide significant freedom to their officers, as evidenced by localities that permit officers to carry specialized equipment, such as 30-round magazines for their Glock handguns during regular duty. However, if an officer is not trained properly, the use of a personal full-auto weapon is usually not permitted.

One well-known situation that occurred in Alaska vividly demonstrates this difference. Two officers had to use their respective weapons (one using an AR15 and the other using an M16) from a helicopter. While it is unclear if either officer used full-auto mode, both weapons had the capability. Tragically, the officer with the M16 was killed, while the officer with the AR15 successfully shot the violator. This incident underscores the importance of training and weapon proficiency in law enforcement.

In conclusion, while the use of personal full-auto weapons by LEOs is not impossible, it is highly dependent on the specific policies and training of the individual LEA. Proper training and proficiency are critical factors that must be considered before any such approval is granted.