Your tax dollars at work.
Posted on 07/15/2010 10:51:25 AM PDT by ironwill
Source: Santa Barbara Police Department
The armored vehicle provided to the Santa Barbara Police Department is a 2010 Lenco Bearcat, Special Purpose Vehicle valued at $242,909.95. The cost was funded by a grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through the County of Santa Barbara, Office of Emergency Services. No City or County funds were used in the purchase.
Modern urban police departments frequently are involved in high-risk tactical situations involving armed mentally ill or criminal suspects. This vehicle allows our SWAT and Crisis Negotiating Response Team to quickly respond to incidents involving: Gunfire, high-threat, or rescue. We train for in-progress shooting situations at schools and workplaces. CNRT trains to negotiate peaceful conclusions to volatile situations. The Bearcat provides an unmatched ability to respond and confront these situations without delay. Our purpose for attaining this vehicle is to: Save lives, protect our officers, and resolve dangerous situations quickly.
Here are specifications on the Bearcat:
·It is based on a Ford F-550 Super Heavy Duty truck chassis. It weighs 18,000 lbs, and is fully enclosed with steel armor. It seats 10, including the driver and front passenger.
·The Bearcat runs on gasoline, and can be operated by any licensed driver.
·The armor specification is classified, but the vehicle will withstand multiple hits from any available non-military grade munitions.
·The vehicle offers blast protection from many explosive devices.
Your tax dollars at work.
They might get an emergency transfer call from Algore...his tonnage might warrant it...
Yeah, like a police department needs one of these. This is an example of what is wrong with the police in this country. They all think they are the frickin’ Gestapo, with the authority to use whatever force they deem necessary, including shooting down a CCW holder in Costco.
I guess it will help them hunt down tagers on State Street.
Notice the gun ports below the side windows and doors. Hmmm...
Coming to a tea party near you...
Yikes, how soon before they do an episode with him in that thing, like that MASH episode where Frank tries to impress Hot Lips by trying to drive the tank through the camp.
Probably has an on-board taser system that looks like harpoons coming off a whaling ship.
“No City or County funds were used in the purchase.”
translation: we know it’s a silly waste of money... but it was free money from Washington, so it’s ok.
My town bought a Mobile Comand Center ( a high tech motorhome).
you can jog from one end of town to the other in about 10 minutes (5 if you are a competative runner)
same excuse.
What are they expecting?
"Yes, I'll be needing a pick-up at about ten AM, I have a flight at twelve..."
Gus and Shawn will manage to get behind the wheel of that some how.
We now have a domestic military presence keeping watch over the civilian population disguised as the police. Can’t candycoat it anymore.
The Feds are going to use Ford trucks for this.
Does it come in a hybrid version?
“I guess it will help them hunt down tagers on State Street.”
or the bums by Stearns Wharf, or the drunken UCSB students on Halloween.
When you think of a gritty urban combat zone, Santa Barbara is not exactly the first name that comes to mind.
tactical trouble ping
Probably will be used to track down cafe owners serving inferior chardonnays.
I suggest they rent it out, long term, to some city or agency.
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