Shocking the amount of people with no Law enforcement background commenting on what is "normal" or "excessive" for the police to carry and why. Most NJ departments switched from shotguns in the cars to patrol rifles to deal with criminals using rifles. Not "assault rifles", ANY rifles. Handguns are much more difficult to hit their target at a distance and police need to be able to engage at a distance if need be. It's the same reason we now block streets during live events and street fairs with the Town's garbage trucks, buses etc. In case some POS wants to drive through another Christmas parade. Departments have to adapt to combat what criminals might or may do in any given situation.