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| Photo by Michael Heinz (Journal & Courier) |
The consequences of the Middle Eastern wars brought on by 9/11 continue to lead to increased militarization of our civilian police forces here at home under the guise of protecting homeland security. As the wars have wound down in Iraq and Afghanistan, surplus armored vehicles used in those efforts are being dispersed among civilian law enforcement agencies across the country. The Lafayette Journal & Courier
reports on the acquisition of this heavy mine resistant ambush protected ("MRAP") vehicle by the West Lafayette Police Department, one of 13,000 such acquisitions by local law enforcement agencies in all 50 states.
According to the Journal & Courier, the police department acquired the MRAP for its SWAT team. It remains the property of the U.S. government, which can reclaim it at any time according to the report. "Is it overkill?," Police Chief Jason Dombkowski rhetorically asked. “Probably, but it was the resource available to us at a very cheap price." The police agency invested about $4,000 in modifications to the vehicle, including painting it black. The 2008 vehicle has about 11,000 miles on it but was never used in combat.
Indianapolis needs a few of those throw a plow on the front a sheriffs deputy in the drives seat, complete mayhem.
ReplyDeleteWith the rising violent crime in Indianapolis, those should be the new patrol cars for the police!
ReplyDeleteThis is what cops give you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lewrockwell.com/lrc-blog/kelly-thomas-verdict-support-your-local-police-uber-alles/
Maybe the W. Laffy Police Chief
ReplyDeletetakes this vehicle to Purdue football home games and parks it at the front of the stadium to deter terrorism? That's a priority when the Boilers went 1-11.
I've saw these all over the country recently but only the state of Indiana actually takes pride in calling itself a police-state.
ReplyDeleteBut remember
The police state will effect everyone but you......