To prepare for potential confrontation against armed gunmen, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department recently purchased about 100 AR-15 assault rifles to be carried by deputies in their patrol cars.

“We are all here on the border, and as we all know the cartels have some of these type of weapons,” Sheriff Omar Lucio said.

“With these rifles, we have at least the same if not better firepower in case of a major event. We also have to point out that these weapons are powerful enough to penetrate some types of body armor. If we ever get into a tough situation with someone from over there, we’ll be able to go ahead and take care of our people. Hopefully, it never happens. but if it does we’ll be ready,” he said.

On Thursday morning, some two dozen deputies spent several hours at the sheriff’s department shooting range off FM 511 near the Port of Brownsville as part of their 24-hour certification course.

Patrol cars are in the process of getting special holders that will keep the rifles secure in the vehicle in a place where the deputy has immediate access in case of an emergency, Lucio said.

“As with all weapons, there are security procedures and regulations to avoid any accident with the weapons or to prevent someone from breaking into the car and taking the rifle,” he added.

Previously, deputies carried 12-gauge shotguns, which according to Lucio, while powerful only had an effective range of about 100 yards. With the new rifles, which shoot .223-caliber ammunition, the effective range tripled to approximately 300 yards. Also, the shotguns had a capacity of five to eight rounds of ammunition, while the new rifles carry 30 rounds per magazine.

“With each deputy carrying at least three magazines, it means that at any moment our guys will have 90 rounds ready to use,” Lucio said. “Also, other agencies carry the same type of weapon. In case of a major situation, our guys will be able to exchange magazines with them.”

An AR-15 ranges in price from $800 to $1,500. According to Lucio, the shotguns were exchanged for the rifles, and the difference in value was paid using proceeds seized from narcotics trafficking.