The County Sheriff’s Department is seeking to purchase a LENCO BearCat armored vehicle. Photo courtesy LENCO
Citing growing public safety concerns, the County Sheriff’s Department wants to buy a second armored vehicle to make it easier to help other law enforcement agencies if needed.
In December, County Supervisors accepted a $217,000 grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program through the Federal Department of Justice, to help pay for a $483,000 LENCO BearCat armored vehicle. Supervisors last August approved applying for the grant that was awarded last October.
The deal is dependent on the DOJ approving the purchase of the BearCat.
Sheriff Ian Parkinson said if they deny the request, “the Sheriff’s Office will return to the Board of Supervisors for approval to purchase a new item that is within the granting agency requirements.”
The grant program is intended “to support law enforcement agencies in various priorities of needs underscores our commitment to the safety and protection of our deputies as well as the broader community,” the Sheriff said. “By investing in reliable and tested protective equipment, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail (SED) will continue to enhance its operational capabilities and respond effectively to critical incidents, ensuring the safety of both law enforcement personnel and civilians alike.”
If all goes well and the purchase is approved, it would be the second armored vehicle in the Sheriff’s Department’s fleet.
But the grant didn’t cover the entire cost of the BearCat. The department is also using $100,000 from the State Law Enforcement Services Fund; $40,500 from State Asset Forfeitures; $25,000 in non-governmental donations; and $100,000 in General Fund Contingencies, which Sheriff Parkinson said was approved by the County Administrative Officer.
“Having an additional BearCat provides the necessary resources for Patrol Operations and supports the needs of other local agencies,” Sheriff Parkinson said. “By purchasing this item, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to minimize mobilization time and provide the support for events requiring Law Enforcement response.
“With growing public safety concerns, an additional LENCO BearCat will be ready and available should an incident occur within San Luis Obispo County, allowing for more proactive planning and preparedness.”
This vehicle is a serious piece of equipment. According to LENCO’s website (see: www.lencoarmor.com), “The versatile BearCat X3 is purpose-built to serve as a lightweight, modular variant for Special Forces, Counter Terrorism and Internal Security operations.
“Certified Mil-spec steel construction with optional B-Kit and blast protection provides high-caliber armor protection for up to five fully equipped operators. An optional V8 turbo engine and 4×4 transmission deliver excellent speed and maneuverability for off-road and rural missions.”
It can be armed to the teeth. “A standard rear cargo utility bed boasts a load rating of 2,000+ lbs. and can be configured for radar surveillance, water deployment, weapons mounting/storage and armored recovery missions.
“Mounts for an M249, Mk19, M2 .50-Cal and additional weapons are available based on requirements. The BearCat X3 can even support a Remote Weapons Station (RWS) for Counter Assault operations.”
However, what features the department’s new BearCat actually comes with will likely be tailored towards law enforcement needs, and not so much military operations.
