San Leandro P.D. say new military-style armored vehicle will help save lives

San Leandro Police now have a new armored vehicle that they say will help save lives. Officers described this new vehicle as a necessary tool in public safety. But critics say it's militarizing the police.

Police showed the BearCat to KTVU.

"The importance of having it is because we're increasingly having to deal with armed people, dangerous people,” says Officer Jeff Walton, a member of San Leandro Police Department's SWAT team.

Police say the BearCat is needed to respond to active shooter and other dangerous situations.
 
"It just makes sense for us to be able to protect us with this vehicle or protect the public," says Officer Walton.

The bullet-proof vehicle is made of solid steel. It is brand new and made specifically for collaboration between San Leandro and Fremont Police along with the Fremont and Alameda County Fire Departments.

The BearCat has a pressurized fire nozzle to help put out fires. Police say the terrorist attack in San Bernardino is among many incidents that demonstrate the need for a mobile shield that this type of vehicle provides.

"Law enforcement needed this equipment to get up close enough to apprehend these people safely without getting anybody else injured, “says San Leandro Police Lt. Robert McManus.

But critics say bringing a BearCat into an already volatile situation often leads to a deadly outcome.
 
"If someone who calls for a health crisis is met with a militarized police force out there at their front doorstep and often it results in the death of people ...of our families and our communities," says Lara Kiswani with AROC (Arab Resource & Organizing Center) which is a member of the Stop Urban Shield Coalition.

Police describe this BearCat as an armored ambulance that is equipped to help paramedics treat victims on the scene.

There has been community protest against acquiring the BearCatt.

But police say their decision comes with city council approval.
 
"No money should go towards making war in our communities," says Kiswani.

"The amounts of violence that are going on towards law enforcement towards others for things that just don't make sense to most of us. We need to be prepared to deal with anything," says Lt. McManus.

The BearCat costs around $300,000. Police say $200,000 comes from a Homeland Security Grant and the remaining $100,000 comes  from San Leandro and Fremont from assets confiscated from criminals.