Banning Officials Mum About PD Acquisition of Armored Vehicle and Costly Crash

Banning-Beaumont Patch ^ | December 13, 2013 at 03:50 PM | Posted by Guy McCarthy

[granite]

The Banning Police Department's acquisition of a surplus Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and their subsequent crash of the vehicle in Arizona was three months ago, but an acting police commander and the city's spokesman said Thursday they could not comment because there's a personnel investigation under way.

It remained unclear this week whether city council members were consulted publicly or privately about acquisition of the 18-ton armored truck before the Sept. 16 crash on Interstate 10 in Buckeye, west of Phoenix, which has resulted in a claim of more than $42,000 against the City of Banning.

[granite]

But as the Department of Defense continues giving away hundreds of vehicles designed for "asymmetric warfare," the American Civil Liberties Union and others have criticized what they see as the increasing militarization of local law enforcement agencies, according to an AP report published by the Military Times.

[Jonty30]

We are just watching the next Reich rising, unfortunately.

[granite]

[Paladin2]

Low TP in the RF tire.

[Paladin2]

I’m impressed that they didn’t roll it over.

[GeronL]

wait until someone accidently drives one through a house

[GeronL]

why does a town of 30,000 need this? how can they afford the upkeep and insurance?

[granite]

They don’t need it, it was probably a freebie with benefits.

[GeronL]

Can the city afford one of those tires?

lol

[null and void]

That’s OK, it’s a (very expensive) run-flat tire.

[Paladin2]

Run-flat, but apparently not steer-flat.

[Covenantor]

Low TP in the RF tire.
_________________________________

Guess that must be one of the two tires that blew out at 75mph while in convoy with other MRAPs destined for other towns.

The gubmint expediter that steered the paperwork had them when he said “free”. Asked about the difference between available types, this used car salesman par excellance said, “basically it boils down to four wheels or six, take your pick.”

Barney Fife should’ve chosen the six wheeler, maybe.

[Covenantor]

That?s OK, it?s a (very expensive) run-flat tire.
_______________________________________________

Except that in this case, as per article, they had two flats.

[woofer]

Well, they bought four new ones after the crash, according to the article.

[GeronL]

Are they going to invade the Morongo Indian Reservation and take back their water rights?

[Covenantor]

Andy, I'm telling you, we need this MRAP. I can feel it in my bones, I was born for this, Barney Fife Operator.

Besides, it's free. And Goober can work on it.

Andy, just think, why Otis might just go off and start taking hostages. HOSTAGES! What then, huh?

[GeronL]

lol

[Clay Moore]

I would be shocked if the speed rating on those tires was 75mph.

[sharkhawk]

Did you notice that this “free” vehicle costs $100,000 to repurpose for police use. It’s funny that the police who like to claim they’re getting something free don’t mention that.

[Liberty Valance]

Definitely not made for the roads, bridges and speeds of American highways.