A report in the Altoona Mirror indicates that the board is close to authorizing its police force to carry semi-automatic rifles for use in emergency situations, at its meeting tonite. The board previously approved a measure that would allow its officers to carry the weapons, but not until those officers successfully completed a patrol rifle operators program. The final reading on the subject will take place at the meeting, then is expected to be voted on. The report did not state whether the board will face any opposition to the policy.
