The police department in Chicopee, Massachusetts, said a new armored vehicle it's getting is more civilian than military.
The ACLU and other groups have raised concerns in recent years over the militarization of local police departments. Chicopee has just made a move in that direction.
The city council voted 11 to 1 in favor of spending $175,000 to purchase the vehicle, which is called a BearCat.
The single dissenting voice was Councilor Derek Dobosz. He said he wanted more information before he would feel comfortable voting in favor.
But after speaking with the chief of police on Friday, Dobosz said he would have signed off on the purchase.
Michael Wilk with the Chicopee Police said the BearCat will carry officers into high-risk situations.
"Since January of 2017, we've had at least four incidences related to barricaded persons armed with a firearm," Wilk said. "This is going to protect our officers who are going to keep the community safe."
A press release from Chicopee's mayor said the BearCat is not a military vehicle, because it's built on the frame of a civilian truck.
Wilk said the police department expects to have the vehicle within 30 days.
Boston and Springfield already have similar vehicles, as does Pittsfield. That's also where the BearCat is built.
