US Police Armored Vehicles

[HorseSoldier]

My agency has a Lenco Bear (the larger version than the Bear Cat) for SWAT. I've seen a number of other agencies, even relatively small ones, that field surplus M113s. Even for big agencies we're only talking about a handful of vehicles -- I think even LAPD or NYPD would be hard pressed to field a mech infantry company worth of APCs or other AFVs.

[Legbreaker]

It seems inconceivable that any police force would have more than 2 or 3 APCs. I mean, do they really expect to need them all at the same time!?
An entire company's worth (or nearly) is just mind boggling!

[dragoon500ly]

Bucks County has a pop of about 620,000 in the last cenus, and its one of the larger counties in PA, so two M-113s and 2 armored cars might be considered the high end. Even a city like NYC or LA would be hard pressed to field more than 4-6 APCs, they are specialized vehicles that might see only 2-3 days of use every year, outside of training that is. The only reason why so many M-113s are in LEA hands is because the DoD provides a large amount of surplus kevlar vests and helmets, weapons, gas masks and a handful of armored vehicles to LEA use.

In south Mississippi, the only reason why the sheriff's department and the coastal cities have M-16s/M-4s is because the DoD released them as part of the Bush administration Police grants.

[Panther Al]

There is a whole bunch of reasons that it seems that APC's are popping up all over, but my personal fav was one I was told back years ago after a random check of containers from the PRC revealed that instead of Barbie Dolls, was case after case of brand spanking new AK's, and people started wondering what they didn't catch on the way in.

IMHO, its just a matter of time before some banger/"pro" crook gets his hands on something like a RPG or worse.

[Legbreaker]

I had a friend working in Australian Customs a few years back. Apparently only about 1% of containers are actually searched - there's simply not the manpower available.
However those that are searched can expect to be pulled appart to almost the last nut and bolt - just like a really expensive sports car being imported by a rather obnoxious man once - got stripped to the last component. Oh, and customs aren't obligated to put any of it back together either.

[TiggerCCW UK]

Originally Posted by Panther Al

IMHO, its just a matter of time before some banger/"pro" crook gets his hands on something like a RPG or worse.

RPG's and worse (LPO-50 flamethrower anyone?) have cropped up here way too many times over the years, and I consider those using them to be no better than criminals, regardless of their political inclinations/aspirations. Thats probably why the vast majority of our police vehicles are still armoured....

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by Panther Al

There is a whole bunch of reasons that it seems that APC's are popping up all over, but my personal fav was one I was told back years ago after a random check of containers from the PRC revealed that instead of Barbie Dolls, was case after case of brand spanking new AK's, and people started wondering what they didn't catch on the way in.

IMHO, its just a matter of time before some banger/"pro" crook gets his hands on something like a RPG or worse.

What makes you think they haven't. I am sure they a good supply of automatic weapons.

[Rockwolf66]

Originally Posted by Abbott Shaull

What makes you think they haven't. I am sure they a good supply of automatic weapons.

As far as smuggling goes has anyone else read up on the Sting involving China Ocean Shipping Company and the port of Oakland?

2,000 Type 56 assault Rifles(with some NK marked rifles tossed in) intended for the US streets and the smugglers were giving prices for RPGs mortars and anti-aircraft missiles. Not cool at all as the cops don't have anything that can counter that level of firepower.

I've heard rumors about semi-trucks filled with weapons being found in mexico and one has to wonder where the cartels are getting weapons from outside of stealing them from the federales.

Frankly I'm suprised that I've seen only one M-249 in the hands of Texas law enforcement.

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by Rockwolf66

As far as smuggling goes has anyone else read up on the Sting involving China Ocean Shipping Company and the port of Oakland?

2,000 Type 56 assault Rifles(with some NK marked rifles tossed in) intended for the US streets and the smugglers were giving prices for RPGs mortars and anti-aircraft missiles. Not cool at all as the cops don't have anything that can counter that level of firepower.

I've heard rumors about semi-trucks filled with weapons being found in mexico and one has to wonder where the cartels are getting weapons from outside of stealing them from the federales.

Frankly I'm suprised that I've seen only one M-249 in the hands of Texas law enforcement.

Like I said what makes anyone think they don't already have their hand on said weapons. The only reason they don't use them on the usual basis is it would change the dynamics of what law enforcement would be equipped with and give them idea what to expect.