Ex-cop Ernie Louttit supports call for rifles in Saskatchewan

Retired Saskatoon police officer Ernie Louttit says his former colleagues — and the public — would be well-served to outfit officers with assault rifles.

He said that there are situations where a rifle would be the right tool for the job. Right now, front line officers are equipped with handguns and shotguns.

"The shotguns had their place years ago but I think they're outdated," Louttit said. "It's important for police to have the proper tools to deal with situations where the range is less effective with the pistol and the shotgun."

In some situations police will use a SWAT team, and those officers are equipped with assault rifles.

Louttit said patrol officers can also get into situations where an assault rifle would be useful.

Moose Jaw's deputy chief of police Randy Fuhr is a member of the Saskatchewan Association Chiefs of Police, a group that has been advocating for 15 years for officers to be equipped with carbine rifles.

Fuhr said incidents like the police shootings in Moncton may have had a different outcome if officers had access to better weapons.

"Being able to maintain a safe distance and place an accurate shot are key to the public's safety and the police officers' safety," Fuhr said.

The Saskatchewan Police Commission is going through a consultation process about the rifles. A final decision rests with the provincial cabinet which would have to approve changes to the equipment regulations under the police act.

Louttit said he remembers, when he was an officer, thinking of situations where suspects could have different firearms.

"I was always cognizant of the fact that we were out ranged if it ever came to be fired upon," he said.