HOWELL – The Howell Police Department now has a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) military vehicle at its disposal.
Howell police acquired the MRAP, which is priced at $865,000, through the U.S. Department of Defense 1033 program which permits the department to transfer surplus military equipment to local police departments.
MRAP vehicles started production in 2007 during the Iraq War. Approximately 27,000 MRAPs were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan from 2007 to 2012, when production of the vehicle ceased, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The vehicles are specifically designed to counter explosive threats with armored plating, blast-resistant underbodies and armored glass, according to GlobalSecurity.org
Township Manager Jeff Mayfield called the acquisition of the MRAP a “home run” for Howell and said, “the potential to save lives during critical incidents of violence or even some natural disasters has been enhanced significantly.”
Mayfield, who served in the Howell Police Department for many years, said, “This vehicle had 16 hours on its motor with a price tag of almost $1 million that the police department was able to obtain for shipping costs.
“I remember as the commander of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team … it took us years and about $500,000 to obtain a vehicle that has less capabilities than the MRAP.
“Although the federal (military equipment) surplus program has had some bad publicity over the past few years, it has truly assisted local law enforcement agencies, including Howell, to be better prepared to protect the public and its officers,” he said.
Mayfield said Howell is “incredibly fortunate to have such a forward-thinking and forward-acting police chief who recognizes and acts on valuable opportunities when they arise.”
Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said the department’s administrators had to apply to acquire the MRAP from the military and he said they had to justify their application.
“The whole purpose behind (the MRAP) is to provide ballistic protection in order to rescue an officer or a civilian who may be in a situation where ballistic protection is needed or for it to be used as a high-water rescue vehicle,” Kudrick said.
In some locations, MRAPs have been used by police during hurricanes to rescue civilians from areas that have flooded.
“For less than $25,000, I have a fully equipped armored response vehicle I can deliver to the scene if needed,” Kudrick said.
Howell police officers had to go through specific training in order to learn how to operate the MRAP.
