So BPD already had an armored vehicle, that they already use, but it was so old and worn out that it was beyond repair. IPD and MCSD had that issue around the time of the merger when IPD had 2 retired Peacekeepers and MCSD had a retired V150 and maybe a Peacekeeper as well, I cannot remember. These were procured in the "olden days" before there were dedicated civilian SWAT vehicles, departments had to use old military vehicles. I'm pretty sure that is what BPD was using before. How long should a vehicle produced in the 70's stay in service? Sooooo, with what do you replace an existing antiquated armored vehicle with? Bank "armored" vehicles are not really armored. They are ok for handgun rounds but not much more than that. So you cannot use one of those. Using an AMRAP is a political hot mess right now with all the "militarization" of police and such. Plus they are large and unwieldy anyway. So, LENCO is one of the few manufacturers of civilian armored vehicles and the vehicle BPD bought as their smallest version. I can tell you that I was involved in an armed stand-off where I had my rifle out and pointed at a suspect. My only cover during the entire incident was a tree. It is a great feeling to see a Bearcat pulling up an replacing the tree as cover. These vehicles are used primarily as mobile cover...THAT's IT. I'm not sure why they are so controversial. A brand new SUV costs $70k. These upfitted F-450's are really not as expensive as they sound.