Sheriff Elfo says surplus military equipment helps protect victims, law enforcement

The Bellingham Herald recently published a McClatchy article regarding law enforcement’s acquisition of surplus Defense Department equipment. Commentary by some quoted for the story infers that police have become indistinguishable from the military and “uses [the surpluses equipment] on citizens” with “reckless abandon.” I can’t speak on how equipment is used in other jurisdictions but can definitively state that this does not reflect practices within Whatcom County.

Ingrained in our local law enforcement culture is the premise that officers are guardians of the community. They are not soldiers preparing for war. A high value is placed on the sanctity of human life and officers are highly trained to peaceably defuse volatile situations and minimize or avoid the need for force. They are provided a wide array of non-lethal options and are supported by specialized teams with expertise in mental health and substance abuse. Overwhelming, most situations are peaceably resolved. Nonetheless, officers must be prepared and equipped to immediately, appropriately and responsibly respond to the handful of incidents that pose imminent and high-risk threats to life. Such situations include active shooters; suspects that are armed, barricaded and threatening; as well as those who take and hold hostages.

To protect our community and save taxpayer dollars, the Sheriff’s Office received surplus military equipment to protect victims, bystanders and officers as well as perform search and rescue missions. The equipment is acquired at little or no cost and is modified for civilian use. Armored vehicles are neither “armed” nor “weaponized” but rather are used to maximize protection levels. The actual deployments of armored vehicles on life safety missions occur 8-10 times per year. Nearly all of these situations are resolved without injury to anyone. Using Defense Department surplus equipment to meet protection standards has saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

There are many examples of how armored vehicles are used. An armored vehicle was deployed after deputies were pinned down by gunfire. It was deployed to a neighboring jurisdiction after an officer was shot in the head and the suspect randomly fired at officers with rounds penetrating the homes of neighbors. Because of its high platform, armored vehicles are also used to rescue people trapped in floodwaters.

Armored vehicles are not used for routine patrol. The Sheriff’s Office maintains highly-refined risk-assessment and deployment protocols for use of this equipment. Armored vehicles are operated by specially trained deputies and are only used only when reasonably necessary to safely rescue and transport officers or protect and evacuate citizens.

The sad reality is law enforcement is sometimes confronted with dangerous people who want to kill innocent people and officers. While every effort is made to peaceably resolve these situations it is essential that deputies are properly trained and equipped to evacuate people from danger zones, respond to incidents of terrorism and save lives.

Bill Elfo is the elected Sheriff of Whatcom County, Wash.