The phrase “armored vehicle” is a loaded one and some council members openly worried the purchase signaled the militarization of the SAPD, columnist Gilbert Garcia writes.
District 2 Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez talks to news media outside of City Hall in Downtown San Antonio Wednesday, May 11, 2022, following a press conference held by ACT 4 SA, a local nonprofit focused on police accountability. The press conference was held to draw attention to their opposition to the new police union contract.Since 1996, the federal government has implemented a program to provide surplus military equipment to local and state law-enforcement agencies.
In 2017, Obama’s successor, Donald Trump, repealed Obama’s 1033 restrictions and increased the flow of military weapons to police departments. It’s meant for extreme situations, such as natural disasters and standoffs with criminals who have barricaded themselves. When you get the federal government to foot the bill for a piece of equipment that can protect the lives of your police officers and help them confront critical situations, that’s a positive story for your community.
McKee-Rodriguez cited a 2018 Princeton study warning of the dangerous effect of police militarization. Castillo expressed concern that the Rook could be used inappropriately. Both of them ended up voting against the Rook purchase.“We always have lots of money to shovel out the door when it comes to war toys,” Bravo said. “But there’s limited funding when it comes to helping people, when it comes to preventative measures.”“Councilman, I just wanted to clarify that this is not a war toy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
City Council OKs purchase of $400,000 tactical vehicle for SAPDThe military-style vehicle called 'The Rook' will be paid for by an urban area security grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Read more »
SAPD to host forfeited-property auction on WednesdayRegistration and viewing of the forfeited property will start at 5:30 p.m. on the date of the auction.
Read more »
Shelter in place order issued for Ingram Mall as police search for suspectThose inside the Ingram Mall in San Antonio are being asked to shelter in place as police search for a vehicle pursuit suspect.
Read more »
Air Jordans, Gucci watch and Versace shoes among items up for grabs at SAPD auctionFor the first time in more than a year, the San Antonio Police Department is hosting a public forfeited property auction. Here are some of the notable items.
Read more »
San Antonio Police investigating North Side murder of 39-year-old manSan Antonio Police are investigating a North Side murder that occurred early Saturday morning.
Read more »