Santa Cruz city leaders approve BearCat Rescue Vehicle policy

On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz City Council voted 6-1 to approve the police department’s BearCat Rescue Vehicle policy.

More than 100 people crowded city hall to hear Santa Cruz police talk about the recent purchase of the armored vehicle and tensions were high.

About 70 people spoke at the meeting and public comment it wrapped up around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. While some people feel the BearCat is bad for the city, others said it’s an important safety tool.

“We don’t know if our loved ones are coming home at night,” said Brenda Olague, a supporter of the BearCat.

Olague, along with a group of other woman, attended the meeting in support of the BearCat, because their family are members of law enforcement.

“They just need to know that’s it’s not a scary thing. If anything, it’s there to be helpful,” said Marny Warren, a police officer’s wife.

But others were not convinced. One man was thrown out of the meeting because he kept interrupting speakers.

“I do think that having a tank — it’s an armored vehicle with gun sites, all the battering rams — I don’t think that makes a situation safer,” said Grant Wilson.

Wilson is with SCRAM, a Santa Cruz group against what many refer to as the “militarization of police.”

“I think things like BearCat militarized equipment is just escalating a situation that causes them to be less in touch with the community,” said Wilson.

The council approved the purchase of the BearCat in December. The $200,000 vehicle but is completely funded through grant money.

The policy passed Tuesday states that police will only use the vehicles during violent emergency situations and only as a defensive vehicle not to be used for standard patrol.

“All the protectors are going to be protected while they’re trying to protect us,” said Jennie Harms, a police officer’s wife.