Springfield council moves debate forward on $445,000 armored vehicle after council tour and public concern

The Springfield Committee of the Whole moved debate forward on March 10 regarding an ordinance to purchase a Lenco armored vehicle for the police department with a price read into the record as $445,000; the committee’s meeting transcript records extended discussion but does not record a final adoption vote on the purchase.

Alderwoman Aaron Purchase and several council members pressed the police chief for details on alternatives, frequency of use and community transparency. "There is actually a form, so to speak, that leadership fills out ... every situation is evaluated whether or not it is going to be used," Alderwoman Purchase said, urging the department to make that matrix more accessible to the public and to seek independent community input on the criteria.

Police Chief Sean Gregory, who identified himself for…