Regardless of what was going on, what the hell do they need a light armored vehicle for and if you stick a gun out of the turret, doesn't become a gun turret?
What ever happened to armored step side vans. They were perfectly exceptable for special police units but I guess not for paramilitary units.
The Reutilization program allows for the repurposing of vehicles that are no longer in service for the Army. Be it from damage (and now they're refurbished), end of life, or whatever, they basically give them to domestic law enforcement and other groups if they agree to fund their own repairs and maintenance (among other strings, I would imagine).
I agree, it is overkill, but given the purpose of SWAT assistance and emergency rescue, it's not a bad deal for local jurisdictions... since they could not afford such a vehicle otherwise.
HOWEVER, this is just another aspect of the militarization of local police. It is also evidence that the Army has found a creative way to allow contractors to reap additional profits by disposing of otherwise salvageable vehicles... prompting new contracts and guaranteed revenue for special friends of the upper brass.
IF these vehicles are indeed no longer "battle worthy", they should be sold as-is at auction... not repaired and given to law enforcement with strings attached.
