Davis Police Chief Reviving Debate Over Armored Vehicle

DAVIS (CBS13) - Police in the city of Davis are reviving a debate over whether the city needs an armored vehicle. The city had one, but gave it away amid public outcry. Critics of the vehicle say it's a case of overreach by police.

It appears the debate could reach a boiling point once again.

"I don't think it's something the city needs, or it's anything money should be spent on. I think it sends the wrong message," said a Davis resident.

RELATED: Davis City Council Tells Police To Have Plan For Getting Rid Of MRAP Military Vehicle

Leaders of the city's police force asked city leaders for a military armored vehicle. The MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) they had is gone, and now Davis Police Department Chief Landy Black asked the council if he should look into buying a different armored vehicle for his force.

"I do not suggested you take this vehicle out of Davis, I demand it!" said a Davis resident at a 2014 city council meeting.

Last fall, the Davis city council got an angry earful from residents about police getting an armored vehicle -- a beast -- as part of a federal military surplus program. Some feared the vehicle could over-militarize the calm streets of Davis. The city gave up its MRAP, which is now owned by the Woodland Police Department, but it appears the debate is not over.

RELATED: Woodland Police Acquire MRAP Rejected By Davis City Council

"One of the problems of the MRAP is it's not really adapted to the urban environment in which we find ourselves," said Davis Mayor Pro Tempore Robb Davis.

Davis says after the council voted to get rid of the MRAP, it agreed to revisit the issue to see if the police needed a new vehicle that can take a punch.

The chief of police told the council his department is seeing more and more high-powered weapons on the street, and there is a need for a vehicle that can handle that threat.

"There are some risks that we need to be prepared for. We can just plain ignore them. That was my whole justification for looking at a locally owned vehicle as opposed to a borrowed vehicle," said Black at Tuesday's meeting.

However, Davis doesn't think the city needs its own vehicle, but could possible share the cost with the university.

"Because the police at this university and probably any university in the country right now do have in the back of their mind a concern about active-shooter situations," said Davis.

The costs for a new armored vehicle, which would be similar to one you may have seen in a SWAT standoff on the news, could range from $100,000-$400,000 -- money some citizens think could be better spent.

"I wouldn't mind having the money spent on keeping kids from running stop signs on their bikes," said a Davis resident.

Others say although they hope police never have to use it, they're OK with them bulking up their fleet.

"I'd support what the police department says is the best vehicle for them," said a resident.

CBS13 reached out Black for comment, but he said he was not available today.

Davis city leaders say they want more information before allowing the department to purchase a new armored vehicle. The council voted unanimously to have the police department come back with pictures and pricing of the new vehicle.