HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-7-14 Center-Bearcat commentsFrom:Daniel Center
To:Agenda
Subject:Bearcat comments
Date:Monday, October 06, 2014 4:47:41 PM
Mayor Krauss and Commissioners Andrus, Mehl, Pomeroy, and Taylor,
I am very upset by the City of Bozeman's acquisition of a BearCat armored personnelcarrier. I think the militarization of community police departments is a terribleoccurrence that widens the divide between police officers and the community theyare sworn to protect. An armored personnel carrier protects the police officers insidefrom the community outside.
I am especially upset and appalled at the procedure, or lack thereof, that led to theBearCat acquisition. City Manager Kukulski's lack of oversight in bringing the grantapplication and subsequent BearCat purchase to the attention of the Bozeman CityCommission is a dereliction of duty. I would consider this omission to be negligenceexcept for the fact that Mr Kukulski has said he cannot find any other instanceswhere process was mistakenly missed. This points to a more sinister motive ofcollusion in order to perhaps plead ignorance and beg forgiveness after the fact. Icertainly don't know if this is true but the public perception right now is terrible. I'malso not happy with Chief Price in this matter but I think it is Mr Kukulski's job toensure this sort of purchase is seen by the City Commission.
This whole scandal is breaking at an unfortunate moment when the City is trying topass a bond to construct a new Law and Justice Center. I wonder if there's anyother controversial or military-grade equipment hiding in Bozeman Police Departmentstore rooms. I'd also like to know what the ongoing BearCat maintenance andtraining costs will be as well as if this sort of equipment will become a permanentpiece of BPD hardware and will need to be replaced when the current vehicle wearsout. Commissioner Mehl points out that the vehicle is free (except for our federal taxmoney used to purchase it) but exactly what long term costs is Bozeman committingto with this armored personnel carrier?
I would like to see City Manager Chris Kukulski disciplined for his role in deceivingthe Commission and public and I would like to see the Bozeman Police Departmentremove the BearCat from City ownership.
Thank you for your time and your service to the citizens of Bozeman,Dan Center
-- Daniel Center409 North Brady AveBozeman, MT 59715