🔫 Oscoda Township LEO Forced to Use Personal Rifles Amid Lack of Functional Department Gear 😬⚠️

🚫 No Modern Rifles: Oscoda Police Struggle with 50-Year-Old Relics & DIY Guns 🔫⚠️
Oscoda Township Police Confront Critical Equipment Shortfall, Prompting Questions About Spending and Planning

Oscoda, MI—August 2024 — During the August 12th Oscoda Township Board meeting, a significant and concerning issue was revealed: the local police department’s arsenal of semi-automatic patrol rifles is severely outdated and largely non-functional. Of the five rifles currently in the department’s inventory, two are Vietnam War-era relics, while the remaining three are pieced-together AK-style models, cobbled together from various parts, that have long since passed their prime. As a result, officers have been forced to carry their personal firearms while on duty, a practice that raises serious questions about safety, liability, and the department’s readiness to respond to emergencies.

Sgt. Alexander came to the board and revealed the reason for the proposed $36,000 purchase: the current state of the department’s rifles is untenable, leaving officers without reliable, standardized equipment. The revelation that officers are relying on their own weapons has sparked a broader discussion within the community. This practice is not just unusual—it’s potentially dangerous. Officers using personally-owned rifles for official duties introduce several complications. For one, the consistency and standardization of equipment are compromised. Different weapons may have different handling characteristics, calibers, and reliability, making coordinated responses in high-pressure situations more difficult. Moreover, the legal implications of officers using personal firearms while on duty create added risk for both the department and the township.

These issues prompted the Oscoda Township Board to approve the $36,000 purchase for 14 new Sig400m rifles, which would ensure that each of the department’s 12 officers has access to a standardized, department-issued firearm. However, the decision has led to questions about whether the size of the purchase is justified and whether more cost-effective options were overlooked.

Debate Over the Number of Rifles Purchased
For a department of Oscoda’s size, law enforcement guidelines typically recommend a rifle-to-officer ratio of around 75%, which would suggest purchasing 8 to 10 rifles rather than 14. The additional rifles in the order have led some to question whether the department is overinvesting or if there are operational needs that justify the higher capacity. While having extra rifles might be seen as beneficial for training or backup purposes, the decision to purchase more than necessary could strain an already limited budget.

Sgt. Alexander, who addressed the Board, acknowledged that while the decision to purchase the rifles was made with officer safety in mind, alternative funding options and surplus programs had not been thoroughly explored before moving forward. Programs like the Michigan Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) 1033 Program provide police departments access to military surplus equipment, including rifles, at minimal cost. The Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office has successfully used this program to equip its department without placing significant financial strain on local taxpayers..

As the township continues to address its public safety needs, informed decision-making and thorough planning will be key to ensuring that resources are used effectively while meeting the needs of the community. Ensuring that all funding options are explored and that the process is transparent will help maintain public trust and ensure that the department is adequately equipped to serve and protect the community.