By Rebecca Parr
The Daily Review
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — Within a year, the city will have an armored vehicle for use by police and medical workers.
San Leandro received a $200,000 federal grant with other agencies last fall to purchase the Lenco BearCat MedEvac, but several residents objected. In response, the City Council postponed a decision until after people could inspect one of the vehicles at a January meeting.
More than 30 people spoke at Monday’s City Council meeting, with most objecting to the vehicle in their city.
Despite the protests, the City Council voted 6-1 to accept the grant, with Councilwoman Ursula Reed voting no.
Police use of armored vehicles has come under criticism after a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle confronted demonstrators last year after an unarmed African-American was shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo. San Jose and Davis have returned their armored vehicles to the federal government.
The BearCat that San Leandro will be purchasing is not military surplus. However, the 17,000-pound MedEvac does have 11 gun ports, a rotating roof hatch and a battering ram.
San Leandro will purchase the vehicle with Fremont police and fire departments and Alameda County firefighters. San Leandro will contribute up to $33,000 in asset forfeiture funds to the purchase. The vehicle will be kept in San Leandro
Currently, San Leandro borrows a BearCat from nearby police departments when needed. But unlike those, the Lenco MedEvac holds the same medical equipment as a traditional ambulance and can accommodate two stretchers. It will be the first in Northern California.
Police say the BearCat would allow them to close in on emergency situations. It also will allow medical treatment of people in high-risk situations and faster transport to hospitals.
©2015 The Daily Review (Hayward, Calif.)