Public and supervisors press sheriff over armored 'Bearcat' purchase and military-equipment reporting

Multiple residents told the Board of Supervisors they oppose allowing the sheriff to accept federal grant funds to buy a second Bearcat armored vehicle, saying the vehicle risks escalation in crowd-control situations, could be used against protesters or immigrant communities, and that the county lacks a transparent current inventory of so-called military equipment. "No more military equipment for our sheriff," Dr. Cindy Lewis said during public comment, urging the board to demand an updated inventory.

Sheriff Ian Parkinson responded in person, saying the Bearcat is an armored defensive vehicle used six times per year on average for high-risk operations and rescues. "The Bearcat actually saved that team," he said, recounting use during a multi-day manhunt and a shooting in Paso Robles that left deputies and a resident injured. Parkinson said the sheriff's office last reported its inventory on Dec. 17, 2024, and plans to return to the board before the end of the year. "We have nothing to hide," he told supervisors and the public, adding the department does not participate in ICE enforcement and "we follow the law."

Board members acknowledged community concerns and asked for clarity about AB 481 reporting obligations and whether equipment is used in immigration enforcement. Supervisor Gibson thanked the sheriff for engagement but said he wished the mission didn't require such equipment. The public discussion preceded routine consent votes; the item remained under board consideration and the sheriff agreed to present updated inventory and explanations of authorized use.