Heh. Color me unimpressed. "Hi, we're the Richland County Sheriff's Department, and we're here to help!" I've fired a .50 at live targets, Sheriff. There aren't too many neighborhoods in the US where that's going to be a good idea. You need an anti-materiel weapon, buy a Barrett. I also think the M113 is overkill, and the maintenance is going to kick you in the budget, buddy. A surplus AF wheeled armored car would probably serve your needs just as well.
Heh.
The more the police act as if the people are the enemy, the more a self-fulfilling prophecy that becomes, in that people look at the police with fear and concern. I know - this is the SWAT team, not a neighborhood patrol. At least I hope it's not a neighborhood patrol.
Nonetheless, I'm thinking this is overkill. The paramilitarization of the police is one reason I was only a cop briefly - and that was 30 years ago, and the trend continues. 'Course, the War on Drugs hasn't helped matters any. Just as referring to it as a war doesn't help, either. Just gets us the mindset where the police need armored vehicles and heavy machine guns. BTW, Sheriff - a redneck drug cook with a Barrett will stop that thing in two shots. One for the engine, one for the gunner. You just gave them incentive to buy one.
South Carolina rednecks must be a really tough breed to make Sheriff Lott feel he needs this kind of oomph. Prolly ought to pick up a blade tank, or at least an armored bulldozer, too, eh, Sheriff?
H/t, Kim du Toit.
Given that increasingly SWAT teams no longer seem to be Special Weapons and Tactics but rather Standard Weapons and Tactics, that's not much of a relief.
One thing is for sure - if I was in a neighborhood and these guys drove up in that - I would *not* be reassured.
But then, I'm honest enough to admit I'm unlikely to live in a neighborhood where those guys would show up with that gear.
The really bad folks in that area are in West Columbia, across the river in Lexington County.
And for those who don't know... that would be Peel-ist, and "Peeler" would be more accurate. Might as well give 'em a history lesson!