The finance committee of the Brunswick Town Council has endorsed a controversial proposal from the local police department to purchase a $380,000 armored vehicle.
Councilors will again consider the proposal at their Tuesday night meeting, a few months after the Brunswick Police Department originally requested to pay for the vehicle out of a reserve fund. The department hopes to replace its current armored vehicle, which is over 30 years old and unreliable.
About two dozen residents spoke during the last hearing on the armored vehicle purchased, with half supporting the purchase and the other half either opposing it asking that the finance committee consider the matter. Opponents claimed the purchase would cost too much and militarize the police force, while supporters say it’s a vital tool to protect citizens and police during dangerous incidents such as mass shootings or standoffs.
Afterwards, the council sent the matter to its finance committee to consider.
In addition to recommending the purchase of the vehicle, the committee is also suggesting that the town continue to pursue outside funding to help pay for it. The committee is also recommending that the police department continue to emphasize more community-oriented policies that address the root causes of violence.
In a memo recommending the purchase, the committee suggested the town could look to outside communities for help in paying for it, as they also benefit when the police department brings its armored vehicle to incidents around the region.
The memo also said that Brunswick should encourage its police department to focus on de-escalation procedures and improving mental health resources in the community.