WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Bloomington City officials are proposing a new ordinance to limit use of the city’s new armored vehicle. In a press release last Friday, the city council announced its plan to float legislation would formally codify use of the vehicle.
The ordinance would prohibit the armored truck to be used for crowd control or during non-violent public protests. It would also prohibit the Bloomington Police Department from outfitting the vehicle with additional firearms or a water cannon.
Under the proposed guidelines the armored vehicle would also be restricted to the Critical Incident Response Team, or CIRT. CIRT is a specially trained team of officers, deployed during especially hazardous conditions. In the release, city officials said the vehicle would only be used during extremely dangerous scenarios, such as hostage crises, active shooters situations, or to rescue injured people in areas inaccessible to normal rescue vehicles.
The purchase of the vehicle generated controversy and intense criticism, particularly from the Bloomington branch of Black Lives Matter. Critics argue that the purchase of the armored truck further militarizes the Bloomington and Monroe County police forces. They’re also concerned that the vehicle could be used against protesters.
Despite criticisms, Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton announced the city would go ahead with the controversial purchase, in March. The vehicle is anticipated to be delivered later this summer.
City Council member Isabelle Piedmont-Smith said the proposed ordinances governing the use of the armored truck were drafted with the concerns of protesters in mind.
According to a press release from the Bloomington City Council, the proposed guidelines are unanimously supported by city council members. The proposed code is currently being drafted by Bloomington Police Chief Mike Diekhoff, along with members of the city’s Board of Public Safety.
Piedmont-Smith said the proposed rules would make the process for approving future regulations and uses more transparent.
In the press release, Bloomington City Council member Susan Sandberg said, “This ordinance serves as a reminder of the positive aspects of our community-based policing methods… We also acknowledge the legitimate fears and concerns from the opponents of the CIRT vehicle.”
The proposed ordinance will be discussed at the city council’s upcoming meeting next Wednesday, June 20.
