The Modesto City Council has approved the purchase of a new armored vehicle for the city’s police department, with a total cost exceeding $526,000. The council’s unanimous vote on Tuesday authorized the acquisition of a Lenco Bearcat, which will replace the department’s only armored vehicle that has been in use for two decades.
The decision followed public discussion after the item was removed from the consent calendar. Several community members spoke against both the city’s mask ban for protesters and the armored vehicle purchase. Julissa Ruiz Ramirez, co-founder of Central Valley Black, Indigenous, People of Color Coalition, stated, “Almost half a million dollars for a militarized vehicle is not an investment in public safety, it’s an investment in intimidation. Communities of color in Modesto already experience policing that feels hostile, excessive and discriminatory. Adding an armored vehicle only deepens distrust and fear.”
Police Chief Brandon Gillespie explained that the current 2004 Lenco Bear model has surpassed its operational lifespan and lacks working air conditioning, posing health and safety risks to officers. He said, “Over the past two decades, the Modesto Police Department’s armored vehicle has played a critical role in preserving life and enhancing safety during high-risk incidents. It’s been deployed in active shooter incidents, dedicated subject calls and other life-threatening emergencies and directly contributed to the safe resolutions of these events.”
Gillespie referenced a recent incident involving Jadon Sieng as an example of how such vehicles support police operations during dangerous situations.
Public comments on Tuesday were mixed; four out of six speakers opposed the purchase while two supported it. Despite concerns raised about perceptions of militarization amid ongoing debate over protester rights and policing tactics, no council member opposed moving forward with the replacement.
Councilmember Chris Ricci commented on concerns about links between equipment purchases and broader policy issues: “It’s important that we have the right equipment for the right jobs. and I don’t think this corresponds to the issues we’re having with masks on any level…. I don’t think there’s any connection there.”
The new Bearcat will include features such as off-road capabilities, upgraded gun ports, a 360-degree camera system, six weapon mounts, a public-address system and a turbo diesel engine.
Funding for this purchase comes mainly from Measure H funds; approximately $19,000 will come from Modesto’s Fleet Replacement fund while about $106,000 will be sourced from state allocations directed to law enforcement. Because Lenco Armored Vehicles is headquartered in Maine rather than California or another state with reciprocal tax agreements with California municipalities, Modesto will pay around $36,000 in taxes related to this transaction.
