While a vehicle that can detect explosive chemicals, continue driving after having its tires shot out and survive an onslaught of bullets may seem like something out of a “Batman” movie, it has become a reality for the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Last week, the Sheriff’s Office received a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle, and plans to use it to chase down high-risk criminals, raid drug houses and settle hostage negotiations. The vehicle, which usually retails for $300,000, was acquired with a Homeland Security grant.
“This vehicle will mostly be used in the apprehension of high-risk criminals,” Sheriff Greg Champagne said. “If a criminal has a violent history, there is always a chance that they could come out shooting. This vehicle will cause them to think twice about doing that and should force them to surrender.”
Aside from being able to withstand up to a 50-caliber round throughout its entirety (including headlights), the BearCat can hold up to 14 special response team officers, has gun ports for 10 rifles and can travel as fast as 85 miles per hour. The BearCat sits on top of a Ford F-550 truck chassis. In fact, the dashboard looks the same as a pickup, with an automatic transmission, cup holders and a MP3 player. But it also comes equipped with blast-resistant floors, joysticks to operate spotlights and cameras, a sensor that beeps when approaching toxic gases and a PA system that can be used by hostage negotiators.
The supped-up truck can also travel to high-water areas to rescue residents from flooding and has a huge battering ram that can be attached to the front of the vehicle in order to bust through doors, according to Sgt. Joe Ganote, of the special response team.
“There is also an infrared camera that can detect heat signatures at night,” Lt. Rodney Madere said. “St. Tammany Parish has a BearCat, and they used the vehicle to help track down prisoners who had escaped from jail.”
The vehicle isn’t a rarity in the area. The St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office purchased their BearCat last year and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has two of the vehicles. However, those departments had to pay for the vehicles themselves while St. Charles received it at no cost due to the area’s nuclear plant and chemical plants.
And while it may seem like St. Charles Parish wouldn’t have much use for such a high-tech machine, Madere said that’s not the case.
“In the past year, I can recall at least eight to 10 situations in which we could have used this vehicle,” he said. “It’s going to provide extra safety for our officers and also for criminals who will likely surrender instead of trying to take the vehicle on.”
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