Weird… California City of 150,000 Rolls Out Armored Death Machine Complete with Machine Gun Turret

Welcome to Salinas, California. It’s a community of only 150,000 people and the owner of the military assault death machine.

That’s right, a city of less than a quarter million owns a rolling death machine complete with a machine gun turret on top.
What the hell would they need that for?

Here’s another shot of the armored monster.

The Salinas Police Department made its new armored rescue vehicle available for public viewing on Tuesday in front of City Hall. Police said the ARV, acquired and customized at very low cost to the city, will provide protection and rescue capabilities to officers and civilians in high-risk situations. (The Californian)

The vehicle was obtained through the US government’s 1033 program established as a means of reallocating government equipment for use by law enforcement.

Kung Fu Quip has more on the militarization of police forces.