Bergen County sheriff puts use of armored military vehicles on hold
AUGUST 28, 2014, 12:26 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014, 12:29 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
The Bergen County sheriff said Thursday he will delay using armored military vehicles until state and federal officials complete their reviews of the program under which police departments across the country acquired the surplus equipment free.
But Sheriff Michael Saudino said he still plans to take possession of two mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, known as MRAPs, which he said have saved officers’ lives in other states.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department is in line for two surplus military vehicles similar to this one, originally designed as defense against roadside bombs in war zones.
County Executive Kathleen Donovan welcomed the delay but called on the county freeholders to rescind their vote from earlier this year authorizing the sheriff to obtain MRAPs from the U.S. Defense Department. Donovan said Thursday she wants a one-year moratorium on the acquisition of any military equipment to allow time for full and public debate.
“We don’t want to see them rumbling into neighborhoods inappropriately and scaring our citizens,” Donovan said.
Saudino and Donovan, both Republicans, have a history of feuding and not speaking to each other. In dueling news conferences on Thursday, each claimed the other is playing politics amid a national debate over the militarization of local police departments.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-sheriff-to-delay-using-surplus-armored-military-vehicles-donovan-wants-one-year-moratorium-1.1077594#sthash.idJFk04t.dpuf
