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SLO County law enforcers acquiring military equipment

September 10, 2014

BearcatPolice departments and the sheriff’s office in San Luis Obispo County have been participating in federal grant programs that allow them to obtain used military weapons, gear and vehicles. [Tribune]

Through U.S. Defense and Homeland Security Department grants, San Luis Obispo County law enforcement agencies have acquired items including assault rifles, armored vehicles, body armor and surveillance equipment. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the San Luis Obispo Police Department have obtained much of the equipment passed on to local agencies.

Since 2003, the sheriff’s office has received 12 rifles, 11 vehicles, 25 units of body armor and 182 units of surveillance equipment. San Luis Obispo police have obtained 14 rifles, 1 vehicle, 16 units of body armor and 676 units of surveillance equipment.

Both agencies have acquired Lenco Bearcats, which are armored vehicles larger in size than Hummers. The regional SWAT team has used the Bearcat vehicle in responding to cases of armed residents barricading themselves in buildings.

Last year, the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail, a second local SWAT Team, used a Bearcat during an urban warfare training in the middle of Los Osos. CalCoastNews obtained footage of the vehicle driving to the training site.


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At first I thought acquiring all the crap was little more than some trying to compensate for small wieners. More about children wanting more toys. Now I’m not so sure. The more law enforcement officers masquerade around as pseudo warriors, the more concerned (and disgusted) I become.


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In terms of second amendment solutions and rights.


I was pretty good shot in the Marine Corps and did a stint as a Rifle Range Coach.


I have not fired or owned a weapon since 1996.


In spite of numerous occasions when I would have been legally justified (hopefully, none to sure these days, send them around.) I have held off owning a firearm.


Now that I’m a shriveled up old man, I’m seriously considering it, given some of the encounters I have had in this town. I’m talking 6’3″ decades younger. Everybody is on their own, legal system, which apparently is being replaced by the law of the jail birds is not going to flush this kind of trash.


If push comes to shove, if for some reason I can’t legally purchase one, I’m taking yours Mr.

second amendment solution.


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Fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer funds by trigger-happy jackboots.


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California will not even protect our borders. What does that say about the Happiest place in the US of A


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Hmmmm It’s starting to look like the title of the CCN story “Parkinson’s Navy” was more prophetic than some people realized at the time. Watch out, U.S. military. SLO County may give you some competition :)


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Does militarizing police forces make us safer, or just more fearful? How does the police force serve the community with weapons of warfare? I don’t get it.


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Oh dear, we are out gunned, should never be a statement coming from law enforcement.


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My guess its the continued response to the North Hollywood 1997 gun battle where the LAPD for 44 minutes got their “___s” handed to them by just (2) bank robbers. The shootout gave law enforcement a compelling reason to better arm patrol officers.


The major thing that saved lives of officers and civilians was the armored vehicles (Bearcat) which could safely retrieve them. I’m more than happy to have (2) Bearcats for the entire county.


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If they would limit their use to such situations, I could agree. However, LEOs seem to like playing soldier and will use any excuse to haul out the heavy artillery.


Investigating possible violations by medical marijuana providers? Time for a full-out raid using SWAT tactics and equipment!


A large protest against some government agency or political event? We must be prepared for the worst so don full battle gear and push all those dangerous critics off to the side!


Besides, we need to use the equipment to justify our continued gifts form Homeland Security! These are cool toys but too expensive to get local taxpayers to foot the bill. (See, we’re thinking about you too.)


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Martial law?


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Coming soon to a community near you


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