PHOENIX --
A handgun just isn't enough anymore.
That's what some Phoenix police officers say when they find themselves in dangerous situations.
Now, more officers may be allowed to carry military grade assault rifles on the streets.
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association told CBS 5 News that city manager David Cavazos has agreed to a pilot program in which officers can buy their own rifles and carry them on patrol.
"It's a very lonely feeling knowing that you just have a handgun and you're staring down the barrel of a rifle with some guy at a distance," said Ken Crane, a PLEA spokesman.
Crane said right now the department has about 300 rifles readily available, but there are about 1,200 patrol officers.
"You know, having two rifles on a patrol squad is great, until you're the guy who doesn't have one out there in a firefight and you need one," said Crane.
An assault rifle was used to murder former Phoenix officer Travis Murphy in May.
The pilot program is not official yet, so it's too soon to tell what exactly it would entail, but Crane said officers would likely be able to carry their own rifles and the department will pay for ammunition and training.
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