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Wayne council approves purchase of 22 shorter-barreled patrol rifles with suppressors
Summary
Council approved a $55,990 purchase of 22 Geisley Model 1 rifles with suppressors for the police department, with the chief saying officers will pay back personalization costs via payroll deductions and that the rifles improve handling and reduce noise during active-shooter incidents.
The Wayne City Council on Nov. 18 approved the police department’s request to purchase 22 Geisley Model 1 rifles equipped with 5.56 suppressors for a total of $55,990, to be paid from the police department budget.
Police leadership told council the request follows a city active‑shooter response earlier this year and that newer, shorter‑barreled rifles with suppressors improve officers’ ability to retrieve and maneuver rifles from vehicles and reduce noise during critical incidents. “The shorter barrel quite simply allows officers to take the rifle in and out of their cars more quickly,” the chief said during the presentation, adding that suppressors “cut down on the noise in an actual active‑shooter incident so the officer can hear what’s going on.”
The chief said officers who want to personalize rifles—adding optics or slings—will buy them back from the city through payroll deductions, which the chief said will mean “these rifles are gonna keep our officers safer and the community safer, and it’s not gonna cost the city any money.” Council members asked whether the department had a standardized patrol rifle and why 22 were requested; the chief said the number reflects officers who volunteered and includes two extra units for academy recruits.
The department said older rifles purchased in the early 2000s will be retained as backups; surplus units likely will be sold to a local firearm shop with proceeds used for ammunition.
Council voted to approve the purchase by voice vote; the motion carried.
