There's a shortage of protective equipment at the Richmond Police Department, and the chief is concerned about the safety of his officers.
Chief Allwyn Brown mindful of police officers being targeted and ambushed across the country, wrote a letter to city leaders this week calling for new equipment such as helmets, rifles, ballistic blankets and an armored rescue vehicle.
"I'm super concerned about our officers," Brown said. "These threats around us certainly got our attention."
Richmond police Sgt. Chris Llamas said the equipment is an absolute must for officers patrolling the streets.
"We need this equipment to save our lives, but more importantly to save the lives we're sworn to protect," Llamas said,
Brown said it's not much different than buying insurance. A drone is also on the chief's wish list.
"You hope you don't need it, but man if you do, you want to be ready," Brown said.
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Richmond's mayor said he too wants to make sure the department is equipped and prepared. For those on the front line, he said, it's crucial.
"We want our department to have everything they need," Mayor Tom Butt said. "It's a must for us."
