Rant: Should police use armored vehicles?
PDs having APCs is becoming more common, especially for large metro areas. According to the KCStar: "Some experts are worried the trucks, which look like they belong to the military, might be sending the wrong message when put to everyday use... In Pittsburgh, police recently drove their armored vehicle around a neighborhood that had six homicides in under 24 hours...It was more of a way to send a message. But different people have different ideas about what the message is."
Several respondents stated that the use of APCs by Peace Officers, was turning the nation into a 3rd World country. A few respondents actually voiced contempt for KCPD peace officers, saying that if they could not be trusted with Tazers, they certainly could not handle APCs. A generalization was made basically saying that all cops are on their own personal powertrips. I have difficulty believing that adults really think that way, or not think about the consequences of such an attitude would be...I think...
...Something is being forgot here: APCs saves lives. Not only does it protect cops limb and life but allows for safe recovery of victims and innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. In case of a school or campus shooting it tactically changes the situation in an extreme way for the good guys. They also have the advantage of being able to pick up and move to a safe place IEDs that the robots can't, or if the IED can't be moved, a safe fast exit for citizens caught near it and it is unclear what the timer is set for. Lastly, unlike most police vehicles it has all-terrain, all-weather capability. They were used extensively in the flooded areas of NO because of there high center and heavy weight.
APCs are only used when they are tactically called for. While the APC apparently was used for "showing the flag" in this case, I am sure that the PD involved, does not normally use it for that purpose. Anyone in the military that has ridden in one for a while can tell you they are not comfortable rides, lacking in climate control, etc. They are not good for chasing vehicles or traffic control (unless you want to block traffic or an escape route for a rolling shootout). While it is true they get poor fuel mileage, it is no worse and frequently better than a large sand-truck, or several different types of fire equipment.
Lastly I am concerned about statements made in regards to the KCPD officers. The respondents doesn't seem to have the ability to place him/herself in the shoes of men and woman that serve as peace officers in his neighborhood. Empathy for all is a Christian concept, empathy for only for me, my family, or volks just me is not. It goes directly to heart of Christ famous parable of the Samaritan. I have a practical question to ask him: If he was an officer dealing with an out of control person threatening or in process of delivering harm, would he rather Tzr the person or hit him with 9mm shokstop rounds? I don't know if the writers has/have ever had to control and contain another person in an extreme fight or flight state for that person and/or public's safety, I have as an EMT, a nurse, and in the military ops "over there". I have scars and a now healed broken jaw to remind me of the difficulties involved. I find it amazing how many people think they have the right to take a free shot at MPs or law enforcement, or for that matter anyone else in a uniform or in a position of responsibility to help you. I cannot say an attitude of contempt for them that would risk their own lives to save you is a functional one, or one that would have a good outcome for anyone, you, you hood, your community, etc.
It is a no brainer APCs should be used in a wide variety of tactical and emergency operations by the Police, and that personal contempt of peace officers or any other legal authority figures is not a good thing for anyone.
Several respondents stated that the use of APCs by Peace Officers, was turning the nation into a 3rd World country. A few respondents actually voiced contempt for KCPD peace officers, saying that if they could not be trusted with Tazers, they certainly could not handle APCs. A generalization was made basically saying that all cops are on their own personal powertrips. I have difficulty believing that adults really think that way, or not think about the consequences of such an attitude would be...I think...
...Something is being forgot here: APCs saves lives. Not only does it protect cops limb and life but allows for safe recovery of victims and innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. In case of a school or campus shooting it tactically changes the situation in an extreme way for the good guys. They also have the advantage of being able to pick up and move to a safe place IEDs that the robots can't, or if the IED can't be moved, a safe fast exit for citizens caught near it and it is unclear what the timer is set for. Lastly, unlike most police vehicles it has all-terrain, all-weather capability. They were used extensively in the flooded areas of NO because of there high center and heavy weight.
APCs are only used when they are tactically called for. While the APC apparently was used for "showing the flag" in this case, I am sure that the PD involved, does not normally use it for that purpose. Anyone in the military that has ridden in one for a while can tell you they are not comfortable rides, lacking in climate control, etc. They are not good for chasing vehicles or traffic control (unless you want to block traffic or an escape route for a rolling shootout). While it is true they get poor fuel mileage, it is no worse and frequently better than a large sand-truck, or several different types of fire equipment.
Lastly I am concerned about statements made in regards to the KCPD officers. The respondents doesn't seem to have the ability to place him/herself in the shoes of men and woman that serve as peace officers in his neighborhood. Empathy for all is a Christian concept, empathy for only for me, my family, or volks just me is not. It goes directly to heart of Christ famous parable of the Samaritan. I have a practical question to ask him: If he was an officer dealing with an out of control person threatening or in process of delivering harm, would he rather Tzr the person or hit him with 9mm shokstop rounds? I don't know if the writers has/have ever had to control and contain another person in an extreme fight or flight state for that person and/or public's safety, I have as an EMT, a nurse, and in the military ops "over there". I have scars and a now healed broken jaw to remind me of the difficulties involved. I find it amazing how many people think they have the right to take a free shot at MPs or law enforcement, or for that matter anyone else in a uniform or in a position of responsibility to help you. I cannot say an attitude of contempt for them that would risk their own lives to save you is a functional one, or one that would have a good outcome for anyone, you, you hood, your community, etc.
It is a no brainer APCs should be used in a wide variety of tactical and emergency operations by the Police, and that personal contempt of peace officers or any other legal authority figures is not a good thing for anyone.