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Council approves acquisition of armored skid‑steer 'Rook' for Omaha Police tactical teams
Summary
The council authorized purchase of an up‑armored skid‑steer loader (the Rook) for use by tactical teams; Omaha Police said the device, funded through equitable sharing, helped protect officers during a recent shooting incident.
The Omaha City Council on June 9 approved the purchase of an armored skid‑steer device known as the Rook for use by the Omaha Police Department’s tactical units.
Captain Mark Destler of the Omaha Police Department told the council the Rook is an up‑armored, nimble piece of construction equipment (similar to a Bobcat/skid‑steer loader) used to make safe entries into closed or open environments. Destler said the department recently borrowed such a vehicle from an adjacent agency during an incident in which the vehicle was shot at while officers were making an approach; the armored vehicle protected the operator and allowed officers to continue the response.
Destler said the purchase is not a budget item and is funded through equitable sharing, with the approval of the chief of police. Council members asked brief clarifying questions and the council approved the purchase by roll call, recorded as passing 7–0.
City staff indicated the device is intended to provide a smaller, more maneuverable armored capability than larger armored trucks in the fleet. No additional budget appropriation was reported during the hearing.
