Ohio State University Police bring in military vehicle

[The Straight Story]

The Ohio State University Police Division has acquired a vehicle fit for war.

The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle was donated earlier this month. Similar vehicles have been used in United States military conflicts in countries including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The vehicle comes suited with a turret designed for mounting an automatic firearm, armored siding, bulletproof glass and a frame high enough to allow it to travel through three feet of water.

The MRAP vehicle is meant to be used mainly for large-scale emergency situations, according to University Police officers, but some OSU students don’t think the vehicle is necessary.

University Police Chief Paul Denton said the vehicle was acquired at no cost to the university from a military surplus program in order to replace a similar vehicle owned by the department that was outdated. The previous vehicle saw little use, but had similar purposes to those of the new vehicle, Denton said.

http://thelantern.com/2013/09/ohio-state-university-police-bring-in-military-vehicle/

[AZ Mike]

1. What could go wrong....

....with the militarization of an Ohio university?

[rucky]

2. But the Michigan game isn't until December

[NightWatcher]

3. I see this being used for traffic at football games

or to shuttle the referees away from the stadium.

Overkill? No.

[theHandpuppet]

4. I guess I won't be going to the OSU-Michigan game

[Ohio Joe]

6. Little use?

I started going out that way in late 94, moved there in 2000 and lived there till... '08... I don't ever remember anything like this being used by OSU. Yeah... There is some crime around campus but nothing that comes close to needing something like this... Sheesh.

[Eleanors38]

7. So, "military surplus" doesn't have trucks, or generators?

[Mopar151]

8. Oshkosh and IH AWD trucks have been pushing snowplows for a long damm time

And that is what, AFIK, is under an MRAP.

[IveWornAHundredPants]

9. This summer I hear the drumming

Forty dead in O-hi-o.

[thatgemguy]

10. Who will pay for maintenance and fuel for this beast?

Tuition goes up every year for the students there.