EAST BRUNSWICK – The East Brunswick Police Department has acquired an all-terrain vehicle repurposed by the military.
The newly acquired MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle) holds approximately 8-12 people and can cross any terrain. It will be designated as a rescue vehicle and is ideal for operations during all types of severe weather conditions, allowing officers to access flooded areas or areas affected by heavy snowfall or in the event of any emergency, according to a statement provided by the police department. It allows officers to respond to medical emergencies and transport medical personnel into any situation. Officers can also remove or pull trees from roadways when safe to do so to allow ingress and egress during emergent events.
The vehicle will allow officers to respond to any critical incident including SWAT operations, search warrants, rescue of civilians and officers during any active shooter situation, according to the statement.
The MRAP, which is valued at $700,000, was acquired at no cost to East Brunswick through the Law Enforcement Support Office Program (LESO), which facilitates the 1033 program, which originated from the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1997. This law allows transfer of excess Department of Defense property that might otherwise be destroyed to law enforcement agencies across the United States and its territories, according to the statement.
The only fee incurred was to transport the vehicle from Florida to East Brunswick for $4,850, which was paid for using Forfeiture Funds, again at no cost to the taxpayer, the statement said. Additionally, should the vehicle need parts in the future, the procurement of those parts would be through the LESO Program as well.
In addition to the East Brunswick police, the MRAP will be readily available for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to use in similar situations.