ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis County Police Department has acquired a new armored vehicle, a tactical vehicle, and a helicopter for use during major disasters, criminal incidents, and possible acts of terrorism. The department acquired a LENCO BearCat, a Tactical Support Vehicle, and an MD500E Model Jet Turbine Helicopter.

The BearCat features an elevated, protected platform that can place police officers onto the second story of a building or onto the outer door of a plane. It also comes equipped with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detection sensors.

The Tactical Support Vehicle, which was funded via the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), is designed to hold tactical equipment. It also comes with a computer and communications equipment that enable it to act as a command post.

The helicopter was funded through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funding approved through the St. Louis Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) and the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Upper Mississippi River. It comes with AERO computers and “Nightsun” spotlights, which enable it to perform search and rescue missions, patrol areas with infrastructure, and provide support to first responders.