SDUSD to Return Armored Vehicle to Feds

The district planned to turn the MRAP vehicle into a rescue tool for active shooter scenarios

After announcing big plans to convert a military armored vehicle into a rescue tool, the San Diego Unified School District has decided to return it to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Superintendent Cindy Marten cited community concern as she announced the return of their mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle Thursday.

โ€œSome members of our community are not comfortable with the district having this vehicle,โ€ said Marten. โ€œIf any part of our community is not comfortable with it, we cannot be comfortable with it.โ€

The federal government granted the MRAP to the SDUSD Police Department under its Excess Property Program (1033 Program), which allocates surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement.

SDUSD officials planned to use the vehicle in active shooter situations on campuses to break down barriers and evacuate students. They also wanted to equip it with thousands of dollarsโ€™ worth of medical supplies in case of an emergency where several hundred wounded need treatment.

But unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting of teenager Michael Brown, has sparked national criticism over the militarization of local police departments.

Rueben Littlejohn, SDUSD police chief, said they need to be sensitive to that perception.

โ€œThe value that this defensive tool would bring cannot exceed the value of retaining the publicโ€™s trust, confidence and perceptions of how we will protect our students,โ€ he said.

Even School Board Trustee Scott Barnett spoke out against the acquisition, calling it misguided.

Instead of using the MRAP, the department will work with other San Diego-area law enforcement and the community to respond to emergencies, Littlejohn said.

District authorities say the process for returning the vehicle is underway, and the 1033 program coordinator has told them to hold on to the MRAP until they can find another place to send it.

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