CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Police will have new weapons in its arsenal to fight crime -- 100 assault rifles.

The department hopes to purchase Stag M4 rifles this summer for its Community Service, Downtown and Airport units to use in addition to the standard issue shotguns.

"The new guns are necessary for today's climate," said Sgt. Sammy Morris. "They hold more rounds and are far more accurate than a shotgun. The shooter at Case Western Reserve University and the shooters in schools are examples of why we need such a weapon, which is capable of accurate firing from a distance."

A delusional gunman wearing a bulletproof vest and a wig stormed the Peter B. Lewis Building on the Case Western Reserve University campus in 2003 . He injured two people and kills a third. Authorities said it was a miracle that Biswanath Halder, who was armed with two guns, did not wound or kill more people.

In 2007, Asa Coon, a 14-year-old student at SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland, shot and injured two students and two teachers before killing himself.

Morris said the new rifles can hold 20 rounds as opposed to the shotgun which holds five. The biggest advantage is the pinpoint accuracy of a rifle over the spread shot of a shotgun, he said. The rifle has a fast triggering mechanism that allows it to fire shots rapidly with successive trigger pulls.

Morris said the rifle shots are able to penetrate body armor. The weapon weighs less and is more compact than a shotgun. It is also easier to operate with less recoil. He said they are the proper tool for conducting raids.

The city's SWAT unite has similar Rock River rifles.

Eventually, the rifles will be standard issue for police officers who meet the qualifications. The cost of the rifles will be determined through a bidding process.

According to the manufacturer, the Stag M4 rifle sells for about $1,000. Police departments and law enforcement will get a big discount, the company said.