Personal police weapons OK under city liability, council says

Rifles purchased by officers covered under CC insurance policy

By Kate Hayden

khayden@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council is drafting a new resolution –– not to change the police department’s policy, but to clarify it: personal weapons used by city police officers are covered by the city’s liability insurance, the council heard during Wednesday night’s planning session.

Department officers have been purchasing their own AR-15 platform rifles for over ten years, Chief Hugh Anderson said, after active shooter situations like the 1999 Columbine High School attack put a need for distance weapons in perspective. The city purchases all department pistols.

“Either in the school hallways or just in the urban environment, if you’re going to go down a street or something, a pistol’s hard to get a long enough (distance),” Anderson said.

The issue resurfaced after an officer asked about liability coverage through Charles City, Anderson told the council. Previous to the meeting, city insurance agent Bob Ingram confirmed weapons used in the course of duty are covered by liability insurance, but recommended the council record it within the minutes. A resolution is expected to be presented at a meeting later this month.

Other Business

Charles City has begun advertising the former aerial fire truck for sale, City Administrator Steve Diers told the council, listed at about $25,000. The truck is advertised through a national website, but the fire department is interested in advertising for local bids.