Reader weighs in on missing rifle case

My attention was drawn to the story in Friday's paper regarding the missing rifle from the Sheriff's Office. According to the article, the rifle was an M-16, fully automatic assault type, not the civilian counterpart AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.

I am troubled by the apparent need for the Sheriff's Department to possess fully automatic weapons. What threats would require the use of such weapons... an attack by radical militants like al-Qaida or an invasion by a foreign government?

Has there ever been a case where the local Sheriff's Office or police department has been outgunned by gangs or other assailants using fully automatic weapons? If the threat to law enforcement is so great that fully automatic weapons are required, then maybe civilians should have the same right to possess them. Will the Sheriff's Department continue to enhance its arsenal to include rocket propelled grenades or mortars?

The militarization of civilian law enforcement agencies seems to be a growing trend in this nation... a trend with which I am uncomfortable.

I respect and appreciate the work of the Sheriff's Department and I would welcome a response to my concerns.

Robert D. Lyons

Moses Lake