- Oct 7, 2011
- 38,401
- 4,162
- 1,130
So who do you think they plan on trying their new toys out on? Here's a not-so subtle hint...YOU.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Of the 60,000 cities in this country one of the top ranked for gun violence is on the Treasure Coast. New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore and Miami are among the top. Coming in at number 56 is the relatively small city of Fort Pierce where there were 150 shootings this past year.
Now their police officers say they are using military type tactical equipment to fight crime. The new MRAP looks like a tank on wheels. "Mine response ambush protection." said Officer Keith Holmes , who applied to acquire the MRAP from the US Military for the Fort Pierce Police Department, "The military was pretty much handing them out to the different cities and I put in the application for it, and we got pushed through due to the violence in the city we have here."
Used last in Afghanistan, "They brought this back from Afghanistan and now its in Fort Pierce.. for officer rescues, search warrants, things like that that an officer would need protection." Holmes said.
"If we need it, we have it," said Police Chief Sean Baldwin, "we've had around 150 shootings this year." Chief Baldwin said the gun violence was not the direct reason for getting the MRAP. But, the city ranked as number 56 in the nation for the most gun violence, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.
"It's for a the potential of a terrorist attack or even something more locally.. A shooting incident when we have hostages, or an officer down that needs to be rescued, that's what this is for." Chief Baldwin said.
Still many libertarians argue the police departments these days are becoming too militarized.
"I agree to a certain extent its overkill but for the cost, for $2000, yes its what we need." said Officer Holmes.
Purchased through a program from the U-s Military for $2,000, an armored swat vehicle could cost in the $150,000 range.
"You know, it is overkill, until we need it. And you know we don't get to forecast that. We don't know what dangers we are going to face." Chief Baldwin said.
The military is unloading hundreds of these types of vehicles post Operation Enduring Freedom. More and more police agencies are signing up to use retired military equipment.
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Top Stories - Police becoming more militarized as wars wind down
DRUDGE REPORT 2014®
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Of the 60,000 cities in this country one of the top ranked for gun violence is on the Treasure Coast. New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore and Miami are among the top. Coming in at number 56 is the relatively small city of Fort Pierce where there were 150 shootings this past year.
Now their police officers say they are using military type tactical equipment to fight crime. The new MRAP looks like a tank on wheels. "Mine response ambush protection." said Officer Keith Holmes , who applied to acquire the MRAP from the US Military for the Fort Pierce Police Department, "The military was pretty much handing them out to the different cities and I put in the application for it, and we got pushed through due to the violence in the city we have here."
Used last in Afghanistan, "They brought this back from Afghanistan and now its in Fort Pierce.. for officer rescues, search warrants, things like that that an officer would need protection." Holmes said.
"If we need it, we have it," said Police Chief Sean Baldwin, "we've had around 150 shootings this year." Chief Baldwin said the gun violence was not the direct reason for getting the MRAP. But, the city ranked as number 56 in the nation for the most gun violence, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.
"It's for a the potential of a terrorist attack or even something more locally.. A shooting incident when we have hostages, or an officer down that needs to be rescued, that's what this is for." Chief Baldwin said.
Still many libertarians argue the police departments these days are becoming too militarized.
"I agree to a certain extent its overkill but for the cost, for $2000, yes its what we need." said Officer Holmes.
Purchased through a program from the U-s Military for $2,000, an armored swat vehicle could cost in the $150,000 range.
"You know, it is overkill, until we need it. And you know we don't get to forecast that. We don't know what dangers we are going to face." Chief Baldwin said.
The military is unloading hundreds of these types of vehicles post Operation Enduring Freedom. More and more police agencies are signing up to use retired military equipment.
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Top Stories - Police becoming more militarized as wars wind down
DRUDGE REPORT 2014®
