MANAGING PUBLIC SECTOR VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
The Big Spring (Texas) Police Department has added an armored emergency response vehicle (AERV) to its fleet, acquired through the Department of Defense’s 1033 program.
Unlike traditional armored vehicles, The Rook is capable of being used in constricted areas both inside and outside of buildings to transport personnel or equipment and for surveillance.
The Utica (N.Y.) Police Department unveiled its Armadillo surveillance truck with $24,000 worth of new upgrades. The Armadillo is a Brinks truck that was repurposed for police use in 2010.
Based on the Ford F-550 4x4 chassis, the Armored Group BATT-X is available in gas or diesel engines. Both versions can achieve highway speeds over 80 miles per hour with 12 to 14 fully geared officers inside.
The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security failed to properly maintain its fleet of armored vehicles, according to a new report from the Office of the Inspector General.
Police departments from around the country are adding armored vehicles to their fleets. Some are receiving military surplus equipment while others are purchasing new vehicles with donations or federal funds.
The Marshall (Texas) Police Department has acquired an armored vehicle to be used as a rescue vehicle during natural disasters.
Lenco Industries will offer the BearCat X3 all-terrain special operations vehicle described as a "pickup-style APC" to law enforcement agencies seeking a more rugged counter-terrorism vehicle.
Law enforcement critics say armored vehicles are the symbol of police "militarization" and no police agency needs them, but their sole purpose is to protect officers responding to protect the public during critical incidents.
The Florida Department of Management Services has notified 11 law enforcement agencies that tactical vehicles given to them as military surplus have been recalled by the U.S. Department of Defense.