California Police Department Gets $650,000 37,000lb Armored Military Truck

By Alex Greig

A California police department has received a 37,000 armored truck that was once used in military training exercises.

The Salinas Police Department took ownership of the hulking tank-like vehicle on December 17 and parked it in front of the town's Rotunda for public viewing.

The $650,000 truck has caused quite a stir in the town, with many residents questioning why a military armored vehicle would be needed in civilian situations.

[...]A picture posted of the vehicle on the Salinas Police Department's Facebook page garnered varied responses, from enthusiastic support to suspicion.

'That armored vehicle is a disgrace to cops,' wrote one commentator. '...What happened to courage, honor, integrity. That vehicle is made for war. Do not use my safety to justify that vehicle. To better protect me, it's a joke. Come clean and tell the truth. The Salinas Police Department is just a bunch of cowards that want to use that vehicle as intimidation and to terrorize the citizens of this city.'

Read More