Police Try To Explain Why An MRAP Is Necessary In The Small Alabama Town

An Alabama town’s police department explains why an enormous, half a million dollar militarized piece of equipment, obtained from the Pentagon, is necessary in a city with only 6,023 residents. The unrest in Ferguson, Missouri has brought attention to our militarized police departments.

Chief Mike Reynolds of Chickasaw says he understands why the MRAP, a mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle, raises questions, but he also believes local police can use military equipment responsibly in protecting citizens. Reynolds says the MRAP has only been deployed once, to the scene where a man barricaded himself inside and threatened to shoot officers.

Even then, the vehicle remained in a stand-by mode, according to WKRG.

The Pentagon’s program called 1033, allows local law enforcement agencies to acquire military surplus equipment the Defense Department no longer needs as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down.

WKRG reports, Some 600 MRAP’s have been sent to local law enforcement agencies across the country, Chickasaw’s department has used the 1033 program for other needs. They’ve also acquired a two and a half ton military truck and 3 humvees. Those have all been used to help out during flood situations. They also acquired other equipment like a car, and even a paper shredder.”
Watch:

H/T: My BFF @ComgenKDT with thanks.

By: Anomaly100