Citing the deaths of five officers in Dallas last week, the Fraternal Order of Police has asked that Oklahoma City officers be allowed to carry their personal rifles and ammunition and be issued additional body armor. 

In a Wednesday letter to Police Chief Bill Citty, Oklahoma City FOP President John George called for the changes due to “a higher probability that our officers will face an active shooter situation.” 

“The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police respectfully pleads with you and our city to allow officers to be properly equipped for these types of situations.  We are asking that officers be allowed to carry personally owned rifles to protect themselves and our citizens.  Allowing our officers to carry rifles could help end a dangerous situation sooner and save innocent lives,” George wrote. 

Citty said he's held discussions with the union about officers carrying their own rifles and doesn't see it as necessary because of the number of rifles already available in the department.