ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany Police Department is seeking approval to purchase a Lenco Bearcat G3, a tactical armored vehicle designed to help officers in high-risk situations.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley explained the need for the vehicle during a commission meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7. He said the vehicle has the potential to improve officer safety in hostile encounters, such as those involving active shooters or barricaded suspects.

Persley said he believes that the vehicle could have played a crucial role in a May shooting incident where an officer was injured. He said that the vehicle could allow for faster response times and increased protection during such dangerous situations.

“The recent situation where an officer was shot back in May. Like, if we would have had this vehicle, then potentially, we could have quickened our getting to them. Putting the vehicle between him and the person who had just shot him,” said Persley.

The Bearcat G3 costs over $400,000, with funding coming from the city’s school zone speeding cameras.

According to Chief Persley, the vehicle would be deployed in critical scenarios, including SWAT operations and search warrant executions.

While some residents support the purchase, citing the growing crime rate and the need for increased safety, others question its necessity, feeling it may be an excessive expense.

If approved, the vehicle is expected to be ready for use in about 18 months.

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