Pullman Police Department gets new vehicle

PULLMAN — The Pullman Police Department applied for and obtained, a surplus MaxxPro MRAP, an armored vehicle built to withstand ballistic arms fire and emerging threats.

The urban rescue vehicle (URV) will be used primarily by the Whitman County SWAT for transport, cover, and concealment in missions such as high-risk warrant service, hostage rescue, barricaded subjects, drone operations, and active shooter incidents.

The vehicle was free of cost to the department through the government program Law Enforcement Support Office (LEOSA). ”We’re very happy to have another piece of safety equipment for our officers,” Pullman Police Department Commander Aaron Breshears said, adding that it gives them the ability to do the missions they usually do with prevention of harm from criminal justice participants.

The vehicle will be deployed in police interactions where gunfire is possible, providing time and distance shielding for de-escalation efforts. The vehicle will also be made available as a resource to nearby agencies to provide additional support for area incidents when needed.

Breshears said they wouldn’t be loaning the vehicle, but would be able to assist other departments needing it. “We could respond and assist them and bring that with us,” he said.

The regional SWAT team consisting of the Pullman Police Department, Whitman County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State University Police Department could use the vehicle when the team is activated.

“Where there is a threat to the community or law enforcement, we would make that determination by the seriousness of the crime and the suspect’s criminal background,” Breashears said of using the vehicle, noting that there are quite a few variables they consider.

Breshears said the vehicle is four-wheel drive, allowing them to drive more places than a two-wheel.

With the Palouse’s rural setting, unpredictable weather, limited resources, and university campuses needing reliable and accessible public safety, the armored vehicle can navigate versatile terrains and environments. “The vehicle is going to be a tool that we use for safety,” he said, adding an analogy he uses often, “Think of this as another bulletproof vest for police officers.”