Motorcycle Cops Get Assault Rifles

Eight Colt AR-15 short-barreled rifles were recently added to SBPD motorcycles at a cost — including accessories and locked mounts — of $2,950 apiece. They were paid for with money raised by the Santa Barbara Police Foundation. SBPD spokesperson Sgt. Riley Harwood explained motorcycle cops have long needed the extra firepower, as they’re usually the first to arrive on-scene during “hot calls” but had only been armed with handguns. Sheriff’s Department and Santa Maria police motorcycles are already equipped with carbine rifles and collapsible shotguns, respectively.