The Santa Cruz Police Department released photos of the BearCat armored attack vehicle they purchased in 2015 despite large protests by the public against its purchase. The attack truck, manufactured by Lenco, cost $251,000 and was bought with grants from the Department of Homeland Security.

The SCPD blog entry about the BearCat has intentionally toned down their description of the military style vehicle that has attack features: "The truck, based on a shortened Ford F-550 chassis, has a smooth ride despite its size. It can go as fast as most standard cars. About a dozen officers can fit inside." They describe it as a "rescue" vehicle, and the word rescue is printed in large letters on the BearCat itself.

In March of 2015, the organization Santa Cruz Resistance Against Militarization (SCRAM!) released the following statement shortly before the city council meeting where the BearCat would be re-approved for purchase: "SCRAM! has been organizing grassroots action to compel the City Council to rescind approval for the BEARCAT purchase and to develop policies that prevent military equipment from flowing into law enforcement."

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Previous Coverage: Rallies Opposing Police Militarization Become Fixture at Santa Cruz City Council Meetings | Activists Say Santa Cruz Police Lied to Secure $250,000 Armored Vehicle Purchase | Santa Cruz Residents Continue to Call for Police to "Give Back the BearCat" | Protesters Shut Down City Council Meeting after Purchase of Armored Vehicle Approved