The scourge of mass shootings hits home everywhere, including Tustin – one of the latest cities to add an armored police vehicle to its arsenal.
“The increase in violence in communities across the nation raises the level of concern to make certain we are prepared to act and respond to an active shooter event,” Police Chief Stu Greenberg said in his request to the City Council to purchase an armored van for $149,934.
Councilwoman Letitia Clark said she and her colleagues agreed the Police Department should “remain innovative with tools that protect the public and officers.”
Tustin purchased a Ford Transit Tactical Van from Florida-based International Armored Group. The converted van will be delivered to the department at the end of September, said Lt. Andrew Birozy.
It should be ready for use later this year after some adjustments to its interior.
Birozy said the truck will not bear Police Department insignia to avoid drawing attention. It will be stationed nearby during crowded events, he said.
Tustin partners with Irvine in situations requiring Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers. The Irvine Police Department has a nine-ton military-style truck bought for $283,000 in 2004.
“But that piece of equipment might take an hour to get to Tustin in an emergency,” Birozy said. “Our own vehicle can be rapidly deployed.”
Birozy noted that over the past decade, the nation has experienced a spike in shootings that result in multiple deaths.
“People are using more aggressive weapons than the standard handgun,” he said. “We need more protection so we can go in and save lives.”