BPD Considers Beefing Up Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Boston Police Department management and police unions are meeting Friday to discuss a plan to upgrade weapons and allow as many as 200 patrol officers to carry high-powered assault rifles.

Police Commissioner Ed Davis is considering a plan to issue M16 rifles to the bomb squad, harbor patrol and other officers over the next several months.

"We are seeing more assault weapons being recovered in criminal instances in the city," Davis said. "We also have an increased threat of terrorism, so this is a measured, logical response to the type of incidents that officers might run into."

Davis says officers armed with the weapons would be required to undergo "extensive training."