BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A group of Connecticut newspapers reports that nearly two dozen police departments in southwestern Connecticut have an inventory of M-16 assault rifles, utility trucks, Commando armored cars, a mine-resistant vehicle, an armored truck, and a Huey helicopter.
The Hearst Connecticut Media Group reported that an open records request shows 19 police departments in southwestern Connecticut have received free surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense since 2006.
The Defense Department’s Law Enforcement Support Office has come under scrutiny after militarized police response to protests in Ferguson, Mo.
Local police say it is good news that there has not been a need to use the $923,000 helicopter for Stratford police and the $658,000 antimine truck for Trumbull police.
In a rare occurrence, Stamford’s $150,000 Commando V150 armored car was deployed last Wednesday in a manhunt for a murder suspect.
Police officials say the surplus equipment comes in handy in natural disasters and at crime scenes.