The Tallahassee City Commission met Wednesday and voted 3-2 to authorize the acceptance and expense of proceeds from the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2020 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership, as well as the authorization to accept equipment and supplies that were donated to the Tallahassee Police Department. Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter dissented.
A controversial piece of equipment included on the list is the Rook, which TPD Chief Lawrence Revell described as an “armored bobcat” that could be used in hostage situations as well as natural disasters.
Commissioner Jeremy Matlow expressed concerns over the Rook and how it would affect the public perception of TPD.
“It very much looks like a tank or something that would be utilized by the military,” Matlow said, echoing concerns over the militarization of the police.
The commissioners voted in favor of developing a policy outlining proper situations for use of the Rook.
According to the meeting agenda, the equipment donations and grant awards include:
- Funding for protective vests from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) 2020 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership ($9,824.53).
- Night vision equipment ($52,807) and a Rook vehicle ($331,700) from the Regional Domestic Homeland Security Task Force.
- Laser speed measuring device from Digital Ally, Inc. (est. value- $2,277).
- First aid and Narcan kits from the Florida Department of Health (est. value – $44,750).
- Scent collection kits, training, and consultation from Scent Evidence K9, LLC. (est. value – $26,250).
- Miscellaneous personal protective items from Home Depot (est. value – $805), the Florida Department of Emergency Management (est. value – $3,500), and Pernod Ricard, USA (est. value – $2,100).
The fiscal impact of this agenda item adds up to a total estimated value of $474,013.53, while maintenance for the equipment will be supported by existing operational funds.
City Commission Approves Acceptance of the Rook, Other TPD Equipment Donations added by Casey Owens on
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Tango 247…..The Rook is the answer to scenarios where an armored car cannot reach? Have actually looked at this. The way it is built it is just as wide as the smaller Armored Vehicle TPD has. The size of the Port-A-Jon box are angled outward at what looks to be close to a 45 degree angle making it really wide. It looks like it has no back but yet it looks like it has a front door. The upper front Glass piece looks like it has two round vents for speaking through like at Banks and Bobcats are not for steep hills (ditches), they will flip easy and then you add all that weight to the front of it, it wont go too fast. Who ever is in the Box and driving are sitting ducks, slow moving Targets. This is a Bad Design and a very BAD idea. They would be better off Armor Plating a Rail Buggy, they are small, tight and agile and can go into many places carrying 2 to 4 Police Officers depending on the model built on.
The Rook is the answer to scenarios where an armored car cannot reach. Courtyards of apartment complexes (which are common in TLH) is a common example. Even a house with a steep ditch or trees near it presents problems for full size amored vehicles.
It is used in a slow methodical survey or clearing of a location the cannot be safely approached on foot. There are no flame throwers or machine guns. The driver does not even have a port to shoot from.
“Militarization” has been a Berkley professor talking point for almost 30-years spouted by people who have no clue what a officer’s gearset is cable of doing or not doing. Remember Ruby Ridge? A couple of guys with Walmart grade hunting rifles kept the FBI at bay for 11 days. If you want that in Tallahassee, deny portable rifle protection to the officers.
Matlow is a total sissy. If they called it a mobile COVID bubble he will be all in for it.
“It very much looks like a tank or something that would be utilized by the military,” Matlow said. What? No metal tracks, no rotating turret and no guns or weapons. Com. Matlow a Rook is not a tank or military vehicle. Some jacked up trucks looked more impressive than this porta-potty attached to a Bobcat.
“Rook vehicle ($331,700) from the Regional Domestic Homeland Security Task Force.” ……
Waste of Money. It looks like a Bullet Proof Port-A-Jon mounted on a Bobcat. It’s Slow and very limited on where it can go PLUS, you have to tow it to where you plan to use it. What you need is a small Armored Vehicle that can be driven to where it is needed and that has foldable Wings mounted on the Front Sides that can be unfolded, to help clear Roads of Protesters.
“It very much looks like a tank or something that would be utilized by the military,”
What is this cat, like, 12 years old? Grow up and grow a set, sport. Sure… throw open the borders to God knows how many criminals and the diseases they may be carrying, and wall-up and protect the politicians… but to hell with the tax paying citizens and their communities who will pay for it all.
Arm all LEOs to the hilt I say… with Dementia Joe Biden and the NaziCrats at the helm, we’re in for some troubling times my friends. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and watch your six.
He’s more concerned about the perception progressives have of him.
Did he really say he was more concerned about how the public perception of the police than the safety of the police? Sounds like it to me.