NEW YORK, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The New York Police Department is set to spend more than $700,000 on automatic rifles for the Emergency Services Unit, the New York Daily News reported.
The ESU is called in during hostage situations or possible jumpers. Up until now, members of the unit have had to share rifles. The big buy reflects renewed NYPD focus on counterterrorism efforts in light of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif.