Critics question giving police old guns

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Police officers in Northbrook, Ill., should not be given their old handguns, which have been replaced by newer models, critics said.

Northbrook activist Lee Goodman said the plan to allow 70 Northbrook police officers to keep their old Beretta semi-automatic handguns was questionable, given the high stress levels associated with police work, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

"There is some strange notion that handguns are safer in the hands of police officers than anyone," Goodman said.

At least 20 people have contacted Village Board members to oppose the plan.

Carmen Corbett of Wilmette, Ill., pointed out that an Army psychiatrist is suspected of using his own guns in the shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded dozens of others at Fort Hood, Texas.

"There are just too many guns proliferating throughout the cities and suburbs," she told the Tribune.

Board members approved the plan without debate on Oct. 27, but the old guns have not been turned over to officers yet. Residents are expected to bring up the issue at the board's meeting Tuesday.