After a deadly 2016 shooting at an upstate elementary school, the South Carolina Department Of Public Safety is working to equip officers with patrol rifles.
News13’s Georgiaree Godfrey went to a rifle training program and learned how these weapons now play a role in the agency’s response.
The Department of Public Safety’s Patrol Rifle Program used to be rolled out on an individual basis.
Now, all troopers with the SCHP are being trained to use the rifles.
The patrol rifle will allow troopers to respond to mass shootings.
DPS has 150 patrol rifles already in the field and are buying 300 more this year to replace the outdated shotguns currently used.
The patrol rifle gives officers more accuracy, more ammunition, and a greater distance from the shooter.
The troopers will undergo a four-day training program to become familiar with the updated weapon.
The department plans to purchase at least 600 more rifles, so all troopers are ready.
