General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So why do the cops need a tank? [View all]jmowreader
(53,103 posts)Teabaggers, "patriots," militiamen and other assorted RWNJs are NOT a constant threat to the safety of the populace, so there's no reason to routinely put cops on the streets in cars you can't see out of, that get three miles to the gallon. (Seriously. These things sop up diesel so fast you'd think there was a hole in the tank...but the really sick part is, that's only twice the fuel consumption of a Humvee.) Some of them have enough guns to arm an infantry company, and if those guys decide it's time to put aside the ballot box for the bullet box, it will definitely be time to put cops on the streets in these.
Very simple scenario in which this vehicle would be useful without needing to be in a gun battle: New Orleans floods again. (I know this one's in Dallas. Follow along.) There are people taking refuge on top of their homes. MRAPs have fording capability - you can drive them in deep water - and there are personnel hatches on the roof. Throw a 20-foot extension ladder on the roof of an MRAP, put two paramedics in the back, and you've got a hell of a rescue vehicle.