Toledo City Council delays vote on armored vehicle

Toledo City Council on Wednesday put off a vote on the police department’s request to acquire a second armored vehicle, sending the topic to a committee for further discussion.

The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected armored personnel carrier would assist in the transport of personnel, injured people, and supplies in high-risk situations.

The primary function of the MRAP would be for tactical medics who are not protected in high-risk situations.

The city would not have to pay for the vehicle, which would be a loan from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. Toledo has a limited time to get the vehicle before it would go to another community that wants it.

Councilman John Hobbs III, who is chairman of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee and a supporter of MRAP, immediately asked for a roll call of council to take the proposal out of committee, but a majority of council voted it down.

Councilman Nick Komives said he sent the proposed legislation to committee because there is some public opposition to the vehicle.

“It’s clear the community would like to voice their opinion, and I think it’s important that we give them that opportunity,” he said.

After the meeting, Mr. Hobbs said he made the motion to take the issue out of committee because of misinformation regarding the MRAP.

“I think there’s an urgency to protect our fire and police as much as we possibly can,” he said. “There would be a doctor, and police and fire personnel on the MRAP to assist injured first responders as well as members of the public. To vilify this vehicle — that it will just be rolling down city streets used against people of color — is not true. To paint that picture — to use fear to keep citizens, especially our Toledo and fire personnel from being safe, is unfair and untrue. This vehicle will be used for people in need.”

At a committee of the whole meeting held before the city council meeting to discuss charter revision recommendations by the Charter Review Committee, people opposed to MRAP showed up to give comment on the vehicle.

Even though the comments were made at a meeting to discuss charter review recommendations, Council President Carrie Hartman allowed them.

“We don’t allow public comment at council meetings and agenda review meetings. The only time we allow public comment is at committee hearings,” Ms. Hartman said. “The topic was supposed to be charter review, but people opposed to MRAP showed up. I feel very strongly allowing the public to talk. As public officials, we should allow the opportunity to hear from the public. That is democracy to allow the public to speak.”

Rebecca Sutton Sillery said armored vehicles can contribute to the escalation of a tense situation. She also questioned the maintenance costs of the MRAP.

“It’s free initially, their upkeep and maintenance is not. Is this a good use of taxpayer money?”” she asked.

“I’m very concerned with the escalating militarization of our police force ...,” said Selah Carter. “I believe the very presence of this vehicle positions my fellow citizens and myself as the enemy of the police.”

“It will entice police to use it in a militarized  way,” said Stuart Batsch.

Currently, Toledo police have one armored vehicle that is used by its SWAT team at the entrance of a barricade or shooting incident. Tactical medics, by comparison, have no protection in high risk situations.

Another main function of MRAP would be for disaster relief. The high-standing vehicle can go over downed trees blocking roads and can get through floods in severe weather.

The police department had requested an MRAP in 2021, but that request was defeated by city council; some members were concerned the vehicle could be used against civilians.

Before the meeting, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said he thinks the vehicle should be painted with Toledo’s logo to look like a public service vehicle instead of keeping the camouflage military colors of a tank.

“I don’t think it should look like a military vehicle. If it looks like a camouflage tank, I don’t think that is helpful. So much of it comes down to the optics of it. Maybe if it’s just painted with Toledo’s colors, or the Toledo police logo, it would look more like a public service vehicle, and less like a military device. That would go a long way,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.