Austin Police to Get New $200K Armored SWAT Vehicle
Although they are rarely used, the Austin Police Department will soon welcome a brand new military-style SWAT vehicle that could cost more than a quarter million dollars.
Writing for BenSwann.com, Julie Wilson reports:
The Austin City Council [recently] approved up to $270K for the purchase of a LENCO BearCat armored vehicle.The purchase is meant to replace one of two armored military-style vehicles already owned by the Austin Police Department (APD).Although it sounded like the existing vehicles are rarely utilized, the mayor said they’re “very old,” and need to be replaced.
According to Mayor Lee Leffingwell, the new vehicle could potentially be used in hostage situations or situations “where somebody might be cornered.”
While its possible uses are vaguely defined at best, many people worry that military-style SWAT vehicles like the BearCat would be used in another Boston-style martial law lockdown.
It also makes one wonder… what’s next for local police forces? M1 Abrams tanks?
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