The Concord Police Department is now causing outrage online after posting a picture of their new “Emergency Response Vehicle”.
The military calls it a ‘Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle’ and it is valued at over $500,000.
In a now viral Instagram post, the Concord Police Department uploaded a photo of the vehicle with 2 officers standing in front of it and the caption:
“Emergency Response Vehicle looking sharp with Officers Bost and King at a cruise in held today. We were excited to attend event, seeing all the beautiful cars, and enjoyed speaking with everyone.#ERVmusclecars. RG”
The most liked comments on the post included:
“forrest_cannon: How about you use this money for our public schools instead?” 824 likes
“triana.marie: this is so unnecessary.” 713 likes
“robzillaaaaaaa: Say it with me! Budget 🗣 cut 🗣” 556 likes
“garrett_in_shenzhen: I had a lesser vehicle for combat operations in Afghanistan. What the hell is going on with you guys?” 512 likes
“okeykayla: looks like it’s time to cut that funding” 424 likes
“happyaccidents869: This is like a huge blinking sign that reads, “DEFUND US! WE DARE YOU” 385 likes
“lauriepud: This is typical overreach by our local police…so unnecessary. Better use of $1000000 has to be out there.” 330 likes
According to data from the US Department of Defense, local police agencies around Charlotte received over $6.5 million worth of military equipment from the Pentagon since the 90s through the 1033 program.
Concord received the most in that time, getting $1,489,028 worth of military equipment. Union County came in second, at $1,080,053, and Gastonia came in third, at $796,552. On the lower end of the scale, Mooresville receipts totaled $5,266, Belmont’s was $2,994, and Davidson, just $276.
CMPD also received military equipment, but according to WFAE, they have since returned it.
“We don’t use, nor are we requesting any of that equipment,” CMPD spokesman Rob Tufano told WFAE. “So it’s inconsequential here as far as this organization goes.”
What do you think about local police departments using advanced military equipment?