EAST LANSING, Mich. – The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) would like to set the record straight regarding recent news reports about the department’s interest in an armored vehicle from the federal government.
ELPD was interested in receiving an armored vehicle three years ago, at which time the department had its own tactical response team. ELPD no longer has a tactical response team and no longer has an interest in receiving an armored vehicle from the federal government. If offered one, ELPD would not accept it.
A regional tactical response team has since been formed, consisting of highly trained officers from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, ELPD, the Michigan State University Police Department and the Meridian Township Police Department. Through this partnership, the Ingham Regional Special Response Team already has access to an armored vehicle.
It’s important to note that armored vehicles obtained by local law enforcement are only used in tactical scenarios when safe transport of officers is necessary.
“We are cognizant of recent concerns from the public about the militarization of local police,” said ELPD Lt. Scott Wriggelsworth. “It’s important for the community to understand that these types of vehicles would only be used in high-risk tactical scenarios where bullet-proof transport is necessary to keep personnel safe.”