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Sioux City police seek purpose‑built Bearcat, chiefs cite limitations of existing MRAP
Summary
Police Chief Mueller asked the council to budget for a purpose‑built Bearcat urban rescue vehicle, saying the previously obtained MRAP was not designed for urban use and shared ownership risks delay in response; staff noted updated pricing and delivery lead times will be returned as a technical change.
Police Chief Mueller asked the Sioux City Council during the CIP hearing to approve funding for a purpose‑built armored/rescue vehicle (a Bearcat) suited to urban operations. Mueller said the city previously acquired an MRAP through government procurement but that vehicle was built for convoy/mine protection and is not well suited for urban rescues, neighborhood operations or providing ballistic protection for officers and evacuees.
Mueller said, "We have used it with some effectiveness, but the problem with the shared asset is that if the other agency is utilizing it or you can't get access, that then it is literally of no use to you." He urged ownership of a purpose‑built vehicle rather than relying on shared county assets, and described the Bearcat as "a rescue vehicle" useful for evacuating citizens, firefighters and officers.
Staff noted they had an updated cost quote and said a technical change will be returned; the transcript records an inconsistent numeric artifact in an early readout and staff committed to bring corrected pricing. Council members asked about frequency of use, regional interoperability (training and similar equipment with the county and state), and whether the county could provide suitable access if a shared arrangement were pursued. Mueller and other speakers said purpose‑built vehicles from specialized vendors (Lenco and similar firms) are more suitable for urban responses than a military MRAP.
No formal vote was taken; staff will return with a corrected, documented cost estimate, options for shared service or ownership, and procurement timing.
