The East Lansing Police Department says it is no longer interested in a surplus armored vehicle from the federal government.
FOX 47 News reported Monday that it was one of several law enforcement agencies in Michigan that had expressed interest in receiving one of the vehicles, but that was based on outdated information.
A statement from the police department today said it was interested about three years ago, but because it is now part of a regional tactical response team that includes the Ingham County Sheriff's Department, the Michigan State University Police Department and the Meridian Township Police Department, it has access to an armored vehicle.
“We are cognizant of recent concerns from the public about the militarization of local police,” said ELPD Lt. Scott Wriggelsworth. “It’s important for the community to understand that these types of vehicles would only be used in high-risk tactical scenarios where bullet-proof transport is necessary to keep personnel safe.”
According to the statement, the ELPD, will not accept one of the vehicles if it were offered.
