Military Style Vehicles Gain Traction With Law Enforcement

Staff Photo Tracy M. Neal The Benton County Sheriff’s Office bought this Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, commonly known as an MRAP, for $5,000 at a military surplus sale. This version is a Caiman, manufactured by BAE Systems. It’s been in production since 2007.

Staff Photo Tracy M. Neal The Benton County Sheriff’s Office bought this Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, commonly known as an MRAP, for $5,000 at a military surplus sale. This version is a Caiman, manufactured by BAE Systems. It’s been in production since 2007.

Monday, July 7, 2014

BENTONVILLE -- Thomas See doesn't expect to deal with improvised explosive devices, missile fire or a terrorist group at his job. He does believe, though, an armored vehicle could be a life-saving tool in some situations.

See, a lieutenant and Swat team leader, wanted the Benton County Sheriff's Office to buy an armored vehicle specifically for law enforcement. The cost was $275,000-$300,000.

At A Glance

No MRAPs

Law enforcement agencies in Washington County haven’t bought any Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. The Springdale Police Department has not purchased any such vehicles, Lt. Derek Hudson said. The Fayetteville Police Department does not plan to buy an MRAP, Sgt. Craig Stout said.

Source: Staff Report

He then decided to go a different direction. See thought about a military Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, commonly known as an MRAP.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have purchased the armored personnel carriers for a number of years through military surplus sales. The Sheriff's Office bought its six-wheeled, 48,000-pound MRAP vehicle for $5,000 at a sale in April.

See wishes the Sheriff's Office had the MRAP vehicle earlier this year when deputies were shot at in two incidents.

"It's strictly a safety issue," See said about having the MRAP vehicle. "It allows us to get the team closer to a scene without having to worry about gunfire. There may also be a situation where we could safely extract people in dangerous situations."

The Sheriff's Office's other armored vehicle is an old bank truck.

"It was meant to carry money not several people," See said.

The Sheriff's Office MRAP vehicle can withstand a mine blast or a round fired from a .50-caliber weapon, See said.

A policy will be written to determine when to use the MRAP vehicle, See said. The vehicle's weight will limit where it can be used. It's too heavy to cross some smaller bridges.

Bentonville and Rogers police departments also have an MRAP vehicle.

Bentonville Chief Jon Simpson said the department had an 1980s armored vehicle that provided a low level of protection. The department bought its MRAP vehicle and a military Humvee in May. The was $7,500.

It costs the military up to $1 million for each MRAP vehicle, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The vehicle could be used in bomb, active shooter or high water situations, Simpson said.

Some people, though, wonder if military vehicles and other related gear are needed by law enforcement.

Holly Dickson, legal director American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, said the organization respects law enforcement and wants officers to be equipped for their safety. Dickson questions whether armored military vehicles are a necessity.

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and the Little Rock and North Little Rock police departments also have armored vehicles. she said.

The ACLU recently surveyed law enforcement agencies across the country about what military equipment their agencies possess. The report found an estimated 500 law enforcement agencies have MRAP vehicles, according to the ACLU report.

Dickson hopes a more militarized look by police doesn't undermine the trust people have in law enforcement.

"Most people would be shocked and appalled to look out the door and there was a tank out there and then to find out it was the police," Dickson said.

Dickson also is concerned law enforcement officials might not be able to avoid the temptation of using the military vehicles and weapons.

"Are they going to use them for drug raids or in instances where there are no concern about weapons?" Dickson said.

Tim Lynch with the Cato Institute said the militarization of police forces blurs the line between civilian policing and military missions.

"The military is trained to find the enemy and inflict heavy damage on them," Lynch said. "We want our civilian police to use the minimum amount of force to bring suspects into the court of law."

Police don't see any downside with the equipment because of the low cost, Lynch said. If the Pentagon didn't sell the armored vehicles at "steep discounts" then there might more sensible debate about the purchases, Lynch said.

Benton County's purchase drew some criticism on social media, said Rob Holly, chief deputy.

"I do not think purchasing a tool that protects our deputies' lives is militaristic," Holly said. "It just happens that we got the tool from the military."

The Sheriff's Office and Bentonville police said they plan to tone down the military aspects of their MRAP vehicles. The makeovers could come through paint jobs and emergency lights.

"The goal is to demilitarize it," Simpson said. "We don't want citizens of Bentonville to think the military has arrived."

Bentonville's MRAP vehicle will be painted black and blue and Police Department stickers will be added.

Capt. Hayes Minor with Rogers Police Department said the department also plans to paint its MRAP vehicle. Rogers police bought it in Fall 2013, said Keith Foster, spokesman.

Simpson said his department's military vehicles will be used to connect with children at civic and school events. There also is another reason for them, he said.

"It's about protecting Bentonville by increasing our capabilities," Simpson said.

NW News on 07/07/2014