Posted on 08/24/2012 1:01:48 PM PDT by dynachrome
The 20-foot-long All-Hazard Special Response Vehicle, also known as the TK-4, was used by Gardens police on a trial basis for about three weeks in July. Several other South Florida communities considering buying a TK-4 also used the vehicle, said Chris Light, president of Armored Solutions Inc., the Pittsfield, Mass.-based company that manufactures the vehicles.
Up to 10 people can fit inside the vehicle. That will give Gardens flexibility in using the TK-4 to handle different emergencies from SWAT team emergencies to lifting fallen trees, Light said.
(Excerpt) Read more at palmbeachpost.com ...
Some info from the manufacurer's site:
"TK-4 Features
The TK-4 is custom manufactured in the USA at our facility in Western Massachusetts.
The TK-4 roof hatch has armor piercing shield protection, and ASIs exterior sniper gun port gives the team a clear view to any impending threat. A rotating turret has a 360° turning radius. The interior sniper step allows easy access to the roof.
The TK-4 is standard with ASIs "outrigger" extended running boards that allow the tactical team additional solid footing while riding on the exterior of the vehicle.
An extended rear bumper and electric rear secondary step gives the team easy, quick exit through the rear deployment doors
The TK-4 rear doors swing open easily for quick deployment and lock open at 90°s or 180°s. ASIs gap shield protection is standard on rear doors for additional shield protection.
Rear bench seating has under seat storage. The passenger seat is mounted on a swivel base for easy exit.
All TK-4 front doors have the capability to lock open at a 90° angle as well as a 45° angle allowing the team shield coverage. ASIs gap shield with armor piercing protection gives complete door coverage at all angles.
Some Additional STANDARD Features on the TK-4 The TK-4 emergency package includes a 200 watt siren PA system, front and rear Wig-Wag and front and rear alternating red and blue strobe lights.
Upgraded suspension and tires.
An after-market AC with an additional condenser is installed. This in conjunction with the TK-4 Insulated walls and ceiling helps keep interior climate control stabilized.
The TK-4 has 11 ASI machined exterior gun ports: 8 standard gun ports and 3 sniper gun ports with a 7 opening for sniper rifles.
The TK-4 360° protection includes the engine compartment, fire wall and fuel tank."
Looks like a dozen or so law-enforcement agencies around the country are listed as customers.
The article does not mention the cost.
However, costs does not really matter because:
“Forfeiture money was used to pay for the vehicle. The money is collected from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, which disperses forfeiture money collected by state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.”
Are they buying these for alcohol bootleggers?
Gun runners?
Numbers racketeers?
No. This is another extension of our misguided “War on (some) Drugs”. Another excuse to expand police powers and firepower.
Let’s end the modern police state and put cops back among the general citizenry, or as they like to call us, “civilians”.
Could this be why one of the SCOTUS judges opened the door to discussing the right of individuals owning bazookas?
They love this crap, it makes them feel like high-speed, low-drag “special operators”. All the cops in my little town are wearing black BDU pants even the tiny women.
$175,000. It's in the first paragraph.
Forfeiture.
Police inducement to violate civil rights and shoot the citizenry. We’ve placed the police in the dubious position of protecting us and preying upon us.
...That will give Gardens flexibility in using the TK-4 to handle different emergencies from SWAT team emergencies to lifting fallen trees, Light said...
LOL Like the local PBG police are wandering around picking up fallen trees.
IMO, such local police aren’t local anymore - they look like booted paramilitaries.
Next they will claim they need modern M1A tanks to sweep the streets after an accident...
Nice flat top too...
Unless someone seriously steps on the brakes, we son't have to imagine, the picture will be 'slashed' all over the internet.
As in: "Family killed after trying to stop police raid'
Why do they need it?
What purpose does it serve?
There’s no legitimate reason for any PD to have such an item.
/ just to borrow their arguments against our Constitutional rights.
HAS LIMBAUGH BEEN ACTING UP AGAIN????
Ever have to clean one out? Very messy.
No, thank God.
They didn’t build that.........
Every can has its opener.
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