Hamden, North Haven, Milford Forge Agreement on Bearcat Police Vehicle

The town of Hamden has formed an agreement with the town of North Haven and the city of Milford over usage of a Bearcat -- a Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck that was designed for the military but adjusted for use by civil law organizations.

The vehicle will be shared by the three towns, Chief Thomas Wydra told the Town Council this week, and will be housed in North Haven, which will hold its title and be responsible for its maintenance. 

It will be likely used in hostage situations or when someone has barricaded themselves in a home, Wydra said, and can be used to protect officers in the case of a shoot-out. 

"Hopefully, it will be rarely used," he said.

It was purchased through the use of Homeland Security funds, said Town Attorney Sue Gruen, who helped broker the agreement with North Haven and Milford that provides liability insurance for all there municipalities.

"I am satisfied we are protected as we can be," Gruen said.

"Many years ago, North Haven, East Haven and Hamden had a similar vehicle," she said.

According to its Wikipedia page, "the .5 inch thick mil spec steel armored bodywork is completed with .50 caliber rated ballistic glass capable of multi-hits, blast-resistant floors, specially designed gunports, roof hatches/turret and agency specific equipment and/or modifications such as lights/sirens/battering ram/winches/thermal cameras and spot lights.

"The Bearcat is designed to provide protection from a variety of small arms, explosives and IED threats. Bearcats have been credited with saving the lives of officers in armed confrontations on numerous occasions."