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The department has created a local response team and has identified the need for an armored vehicle for tactical operations, according to City Manager William Brock.
“Currently there are not armored vehicles sufficient for these operations in the northern part of Butler County,” Brock said. “The department relies on West Chester or Warren County for a tactical armored vehicle, and the wait can be problematic.”
Buchanan said it can take one to 2½ hours to have such a vehicle respond to a situation in the city.
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The surplus vehicle, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Humvee, would be provided by the federal government and the city would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
Buchanan estimated those costs at about $1,500 per year.
Councilman Dan Clark said he was concerned about the appearance of militarizing police if such a vehicle were acquired by the police.
“Personally, I don’t see a need for this,” Councilman Todd Hickman said.
Council accepted the first reading of the resolution, with Hickman and Vice Mayor Suzi Rubin voting against it.
The resolution will get further consideration at council’s next meeting on Feb. 28.
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