Florida sheriff defends acquisition of surplus MRAP
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A decision by one Panhandle sheriff's office to purchase a military surplus MRAP is being criticized by some residents.
The Northwest Florida Daily News reports that the Walton County Sheriff's office bought the mine-resistant and ambush-resistant MRAP for just the $2,500 cost of delivery.
Sheriff Mike Adkinson says the heavy-duty vehicle will protect his officers in dangerous situations. But some residents told the newspaper that the military vehicle is an unnecessary show of force in their largely rural county.
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Florida Department of Emergency Management officials say many Florida law enforcement agency are taking advantage of programs to purchase surplus military equipment and to incorporate the equipment into their operations.