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Oklahoma City Police Chief Now OKs Personal Rifles

Sue Ogrocki / AP
Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty

Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty says he's reconsidered his previous position and now will allow officers to carry their personal rifles while on duty until the department buys additional weapons.

Citty told reporters Monday that he changed his mind after three officers were shot and killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Last week, Citty rejected the city's Fraternal Order of Police request to allow officers to carry personal rifles following the shooting deaths of five Dallas officers.

Citty said then that allowing personal rifles on duty was unnecessary and presented problems for ensuring the quality of the equipment. About 300 of the city's estimated 500 officers have department-issued rifles.

Citty said those without a rifle may carry their personal rifle until a department-issued one is available.

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