Antioch PD MRAP

[Nshaver127]

Why did the Antioch PD purchase a MRAP (Mine Resistant- Ambush Protection Vehicle)? This is a police department not a military base. I have never heard of any IED attacks, RPG toting thugs, or any other such dangers warranting such a vehicles purchase. This is not Iraq. I find this highly disturbing.

[CaptMike]

Your federal government has thousands of them left over that they no longer need. They are giving them to local law enforcement agencies for free. These are not going to be used to conduct combat patrols on your streets. You are not going to see convoys of these things. They are a free tool that departments can use to save your life or the life of your family member the next time your local thugs are commiting a...
kidnapping, armed take over robbery, home invasion, active shooter in a school, active shooter in a mall, active shooter at your house, active shooter at the park, hostage situation, etc., etc., etc.

Its a bullet resistant vehicle that can take officers in to harms way to rescue folks and it doesnt cost you the taxpayer an extra cent out of your pocket. Your right, this isn't Iraq, but this is America where, sadly, crime happens. This tool is just used to keep people safe.

[trob]

Your federal government has thousands of them left over that they no longer need. They are giving them to local law enforcement agencies for free. These are not going to be used to conduct combat patrols on your streets. You are not going to see convoys of these things. They are a free tool that departments can use to save your life or the life of your family member the next time your local thugs are commiting a...
kidnapping, armed take over robbery, home invasion, active shooter in a school, active shooter in a mall, active shooter at your house, active shooter at the park, hostage situation, etc., etc., etc.

Its a bullet resistant vehicle that can take officers in to harms way to rescue folks and it doesnt cost you the taxpayer an extra cent out of your pocket. Your right, this isn't Iraq, but this is America where, sadly, crime happens. This tool is just used to keep people safe.

We'll put. OP should be saying 'thank you mr. federal govt'

[MaHoTex]

As was already stated, these are surplus units and they are being donated to (mainly) smaller PDs around the country.

Wonder how these local PDs will maintain these vehicles? It is not like you can run down to Pep Boys and get parts. As I understand it, there is not even NATO Part numbers for many of the parts for these vehicles. Though, having dealt with the military on some equipment years ago, I do find that hard to believe.

One of those would look really nice parked in my driveway! How do I get mine!

[G-Man WC]

Just saw it on E.18th & LoneTree. Looks like a dozen or so plain clothes and the new grocery getter are getting ready to do some door kicking. -g

[Nshaver127]

Just saw it on E.18th & LoneTree. Looks like a dozen or so plain clothes and the new grocery getter are getting ready to do some door kicking. -g

Lol really? that is just insane.

[P5Ret]

Must have been a freebie, didn't see anyone *****ing about a purchase in the local rag. Hell half of them complain about buying cars.

[skisly]

No strings attached I'm sure.

[1CavScout]

I worked for a large agency, and would get a lot of equipment that the military no longer wanted. This is not a new thing...

[CBR_rider]

Why did the Antioch PD purchase a MRAP (Mine Resistant- Ambush Protection Vehicle)? This is a police department not a military base. I have never heard of any IED attacks, RPG toting thugs, or any other such dangers warranting such a vehicles purchase. This is not Iraq. I find this highly disturbing.

Why don't you call up the Chief's Office and ask? They likely acquired the vehicle because the DoD is shedding them like crazy and is letting them go for $1. The PD then only has to pay for shipping and any retrofitting that may be required. Are there better options out there due to maintenance concerns, center of gravity issues, internal space constraints, refurb costs, etc? Maybe, but then again maybe not. I wouldn't be surprised if the same types of grants many agencies acquire to purchase new vehicles such as Lenco Bearcats could also likely be used to pay for the shipping and retrofitting of MRAP's.

No strings attached I'm sure.

Nope, long as they pay for shipping...

[Marty33]

A free MRAP beats a $285,000 BearCat.

[Librarian]

Looks a bit spendy to maintain.

Here's a paper on the maintenance costs for active deployed MRAPS. On page 74 of the PDF is a table.

Some things like 'government program management' and 'transportation to theater' are, I hope, not applicable, but looks like the Army spent around $60,000 per year per MRAP in FY 09. (ETA since no combat or actual mine exposure should be involved, might expect maintenance to be somewhat less.)

Bit of a 'white elephant' for a lot of small agencies, I'd guess.

[Dooligan]

A free MRAP beats a $285,000 BearCat.

They should be free...the taxpayers already paid for them once.

[bigred1]

rediculous..... I would like to know how many MRAPs the military has issued to units to train with.
Before we hit Afghanistan we got a 3 day "this is a MRAP course". What I'm getting at is soldiers don't have this equipment state side and I don't see a real practical use for law enforcement. They require a ton of maintenance and are a colossal failure for quick deployment of troops.

[Ninety]

We'll put. OP should be saying 'thank you mr. federal govt'

LOL^^

Yea.. I'm sure everyone will be saying thank you when they have to raise taxes just to keep these things operational. You most likely won't be seeing these used very often b/c of the exorbitant costs of operation.

These will be used primarily by PR and marketing. Drive it to the schools for Dare and other such events.

I'll be saying thank you mr fed govt when SHTF and I go take one of these that have been abandoned at the local PD station.