San Diego: Public School Police Receive Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

[marmar]

The police department for San Diego's public schools recently revealed that they have acquired a large armored combat vehicle from the U.S. military.

The $700,000 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle (MRAP), which is designed to withstand blasts from improvised explosive devices and mines, was given to law enforcement for the Unified School District in April. The vehicle was transferred through the Department of Defense's controversial 1033 program, which authorizes the military to donate what it considers surplus military equipment to police and sheriff departments in the United States, including tanks and weapons used in the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

This and other federal programs that flood local law enforcement with weapons of war have fallen under increased scrutiny following the crackdown by heavily armed riot police and military service members on protesters in Ferguson, Missouri opposing the police killing of unarmed African-American teenager Michael Brown. Numerous other San Diego police agencies have received weapons from the military, although the MRAP stands out for its high dollar value.

The police department acknowledged that the MRAP is likely to be controversial. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/09/12/public-school-police-receive-mine-resistant-ambush-protected-vehicle

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. "The police department acknowledged that the MRAP is likely to be controversial."

Ya think?

Now, when they tase and handcuff 10-year-olds for throwing spitballs, they can haul them off in their MRAP.

[Turbineguy]

2. Well, yes, but...

there are teenaged drivers in those high school parking lots.

[woo me with science]

3. I weep for this country.

Over and over again.

[Savannahmann]

4. I'll give it a K and R.

Because this is what we want to see at our schools.



This was the aftermath of a school shooting at Arapahoe High School in Colorado in December 2013. The "safety" of the kids is being looked after quite well wouldn't you say?