Posted on 09/15/2014 8:21:54 PM PDT by BenLurkin
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Unified School District Police officials are considering whether they need the armored vehicle and grenade launchers they received from the U.S. military.
The military hardware at the disposal of LAUSD police officers includes a 20-foot-long, 14-ton armored transport vehicles, much like the ones used to move Marines in Iraqi combat zones. The tank is worth $733,000 and the school district’s police force got it from the government for free.
How would LAUSD use such a vehicle?
“For us? That vehicle would be used for extraordinary circumstances,” LAUSD Police Chief Steve Zipperman said.
The tank, which is stored at a secret location, has been in the department’s possession since July.
“It’s something that we believe is a life-saving vehicle,” Zipperman said. “And certainly we realize we need to take a look, is this the best alternative right now for us until we find something else that is more conductive to a police-type of rescue.”
The district is also in possession of grenade launchers, which it received for free from the military after 9/11. Neither the tank, nor the grenade launchers, have ever been used. But the district doesn’t plan on keeping them.
“It’s a piece of equipment that’s not essential for our mission, so we will be disposing of those,” Zipperman said.
The armored vehicles and heavy artillery [???] distributed to local agencies became a national issue in the wake of the riots in Ferguson, Mo.
“I can’t allow whatever political ramifications or analysis in Ferguson suggest how I want to make a decision on how to best make sure we respond at the LAUSD,” Zipperman said.
The chief says the tank will stay, but will only be deployed on his direct orders with the approval of the school superintendent.
“To suggest that it’s a threatening type of equipment or equipment for a show of force – that is not the case,” Zipperman said.
I doubt if there is a law enforcement agency in this country that actually has a tank.
I was afraid this would happen. Now we will have an arms race among all the school districts. It will never end.
Nothing says "No Parking" like a burst of 30 mm armor piercing rounds.
If it’s free, does that mean they should take it? No. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean a police force needs it.
LOL!!!
There are a lot of good arms in that crowd — sign ‘em up!
I suspect that is due more to lack of funds than lack of desire. LE didn't hesitate one bit to use Bradleys and CEVs at Waco when Wesley Clark offered them up. If they'd put up a single Abrams on the 1033 program, I'm guessing no shortage of agencies would be competing for it.
The SWAT team is passé; now, PDs can go for a full blitzkrieg.
I feel bad for that crew. A tank trap consisting of a couple dozen gallons of gasoline plus kerosine combined with about 30 molotov ingniters....Shudder...thankfully I’m retured. I’d hate to be stuck in a IFV under those circumstnces.
Not tanks, FRiend.
bent metal plate and about 1/4 pound of C4 into the side of that and you’d think a bowling ball hit the head pin.
It’s important, however, to change those things we can, and in this case one thing to change is our perception of those weapons.
We need to begin thinking of them as resources for our side, resources being maintained and fueled for us to use when they are needed.
like when they declare ML - their 'equipment is already dispersed and in place around the country, ready for them to commandeer and control
'Vet" you say I doubt if there is a law enforcement agency in this country that actually has a tank.
heavy duty war vehicles have been systematically and with great malice aforethought 'delivered' across the country - particularly in smaller law enforcement outfits surrounding larger cities...still belong to the gov't should they 'need' them.
this has been going on for years, in the open in and in peoples faces. There's one team of 4 drivers that have been delivering MRAPs - full time - for over two years now. That's just one team.
Lots more info re the tanks - do some research. When they get ready to lower the boom - everything is in place. Anyone who thinks they'll be able to head for the hills at the first hint of trouble - out of ANY sizable city or along any major or semi-major roads, have their heads in the sand.
copy paste to read links
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/15/san-diego-school-takes-mrap-store-medical-supplies/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Front-TheWashingtonTimesAmericasNewspaper+%28Front+Page+-+The+Washington+Times%29
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http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140914/jsp/foreign/story_18833896.jsp#.VBez91duW3M
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Now that this is FINALLY getting some publicity in our own media - Washington is 'rethinking it' - uh huh. Of they can. They've already got them all over now, HUNDREDS - ready to use.
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http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/09/09/pentagon-will-rethink-giving-mraps-bayonets-to-police-official-says
Shall we suck on lollipops too?
I don't think you're clear on the difference between the police and the military.
You know there's a difference, right?
He meant tanks, not armored cars, where are the “tanks”?
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