The Bangor Police Department will seek approval from the City Council on Monday to purchase an armored vehicle.

Currently, there are two similar armored vehicles in Maine, both used by the State Police. One is located in Portland, while the other is in Augusta.

Bangor Police Chief Mark Hathaway shared a note on the Department's Facebook page that said the vehicle would be used "for the purpose of protecting our officers while engaged in the action of resolving a violent situation." He said the post was shared as a way to keep the public informed and to make sure they're aware of the request before it goes before the Bangor City Council, which will happen on Monday evening.

The department has the funds to be able to purchase the vehicle, so it wouldn't affect taxpayers. The $208,772 was saved through lower health insurance premiums and lower fuel prices. Approval has been given by the Finance Committee and is now sought from the City Council.

According to the BDN, the vehicle would be brand new, rather than purchasing a used military vehicle. Chief Hathaway told the paper that it would be useful in situations like the six-hour standoff on Union Street in February of last year or the standoff on Park Street, in which a man was firing out a window. Police would be able to act more quickly in these situations instead of being forced to wait for the State Police to arrive with their armored vehicle.

The public is invited to attend the meeting to voice their thoughts or concerns. Anyone who can't make it to the meeting is encouraged to share their thoughts or ask questions through the department's Facebook page, or by emailing the Chief at mark.hathaway@bangormaine.gov.

More information can be found online.

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