There is no need for a bolt action 308 locally. I also don't see a need for a pump action 223. If they do need a rifle, why not a lever gun? Think about it, its a more public friendly weapon, they are not lacking in firepower, or capcity. The only real down side too them is thier reloading time.
All of this, "we needz more weaponz" ( with a z on purpose) came about after the WHW shoot out. Now granted they only had 9 mm and buck shot, but still not a single officer could figure out thier legs do not have body armor? wound the SOB, let him bleed to death. Hell most officers never even got a shot off on them.
The lack of training is what cuased all that mess, not thier lack of tools.