And this shooting displayed that the common police equipment of the time (pistols, shotguns) were ineffective against determined and well equipped criminals. Police wanted handy, precise rifles (AR-15), and better armour for themselves and vehicles in case of emergency.
So the police looked to relatively cheap mil surplus and things that were compatible with them, fast forward a few decades and that is why the police have a ton of military grade gear.
And this shooting displayed that the common police equipment of the time (pistols, shotguns) were ineffective against determined and well equipped criminals. Police wanted handy, precise rifles (AR-15), and better armour for themselves and vehicles in case of emergency.
So the police looked to relatively cheap mil surplus and things that were compatible with them, fast forward a few decades and that is why the police have a ton of military grade gear.