Local government authorities are taking heavily armored personnel carriers called MRAPS (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) for law-enforcement purposes, reports the Dallas Observer. Dallas County sheriff’s deputies traveled to Fort Hood this month and picked up their very own International MaxxPro MRAP. The truck has never seen any actual combat, having only been deployed stateside for training exercises.
With the dealer’s $600,000 price tag knocked down to nothing, and with just 10,000 miles on it, the deal was too good to pass up. Deputy James Blesoe declared that the vehicle “exceeded expectations.” The Observer asks, “Why in holy hell does Dallas County need an armored military vehicle built to withstand a minor apocalypse?” The sheriff’s office is touting it as a tool that will help them better serve warrants. “Having a tactical vehicle will not only provide warrants execution with the equipment to assist in performing their jobs but will provide an overall safety arch,” Chief Deputy Marlin Suell wrote to county commissioners.