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Conroe to buy armored BearCat for SWAT using DOJ asset‑forfeiture funds, police say
Summary
Police described plans to buy a Linco BearCat G3 armored vehicle for the SWAT team using federal asset‑forfeiture funds; chief said the vehicle is life‑saving equipment and will not use local tax dollars.
The Conroe Police Department presented plans on July 9 to purchase a Linco BearCat G3 armored vehicle configured to carry up to 14 operators, to be paid with federal asset‑forfeiture funds processed through the Department of Justice and the district attorney’s office.
Police described the BearCat as a multi‑purpose public‑safety vehicle: 4‑wheel drive, the ability to perform high‑water rescues, doors on both sides for tactical deployment, a front ram for forced entry and an integrated 360‑degree camera. Police said they hope to add a thermal imager for search capability. The chief told council the vehicle’s purchase price is $388,927 and estimated a 12–18 month build time for the vehicle.
Why it matters: the vehicle is a tactical resource for specialized operations and will be fully funded through seized‑fund programs rather than the city’s tax revenue, staff said. “Not $1 from a Conroe citizen tax money will be spent on this,” the chief said.
Council members thanked officers in the gallery for their service and acknowledged the vehicle’s role as a strategic tool intended to be used rarely. The chief said the BearCat improves officer and citizen survivability in hostage, rescue and active‑threat scenarios and that the department’s SWAT operators are highly trained.
No vote was recorded on July 9; staff said procurement will proceed through federal asset‑forfeiture program procedures.
