ROSEVILLE (WCCO) — It takes bullets like Superman, drives up to 95 mph and it’s property of the Roseville Police Department.
In August 2010, the East Metro Swat Team received a $265,000 federal grant and purchased what’s called the “Bearcat.” Because it was paid for with a federal grant, it can be used by both local and federal agencies.
Originally designed for military combat, it’s an armored vehicle the SWAT team invested in with hopes of keeping local police officers safe.
“Some guys call it ‘the kitty,’” said John Jorgenson of the East Metro Swat Team
Jorgenson says it is changing the way they do business. Many times, the vehicle works strictly on intimidation.
“We’ll turn on the lights and siren, and we’ve had people just surrender to the vehicle,” said Jorgenson.
The 365 horsepower vehicle’s features explain its $256,000 price tag.
There’s the bullet-proof turret that rotates for protection and gives SWAT members the option to shoot a weapon if necessary. It also has door and window ramming abilities.
It has a weight that will make your mouth drop.
“(It’s) 16,000 pounds, so yeah, it’s pretty heavy,” said Jorgenson.
However, perhaps it’s the things you can’t see that are most impressive.
“We have a $35,000 thermal imager,” said Jorgenson. “This allows us to be able to reach out and look at different things.”
You can’t see what it’s really made of until night time.
“The camera picks up on the person’s body heat, and that’s how you can tell there’s a person within your view,” said Jorgenson.
Other times, the vehicle is the only thing separating East Metro SWAT members from the bad guys.
“It’s the safest place to put our team if things start going bad,” said Jorgenson.
There are five total Bearcats in Minnesota.
