Redwood City police now have a military-style tanker truck, thanks to the federal government.

The $750,000 vehicle, originally designed to protect troops in Iraq and Afghanistan from roadside bombs, was paid for by the government as part of a program that provides surplus military equipment to local law enforcement agencies.

"It's simply a way to move our officers around in a protected environment and evacuate civilians in an emergency instance," Redwood City Police Lt. Ashley Osborn said.

The vehicle, called an MRAP, which stands for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, is hard to miss at 60,000 pounds and 13-feet tall.

Some Redwood City residents think the war equipment has no place in town.

"Is this a dangerous place that we are in that we need that?" Holly Lezo said. "Is there something they aren't telling us?"

Other residents said the armored vehicle would be better used in neighboring cities that have more violent crime.

"I think a cop car is sufficient for the crime around here," Alexis Cota said.

But some like the fact the vehicle was designed to protect people from the dangers of war.

"If there's any type of catastrophic event, that vehicle looks like it can withstand a lot of damage if need be," said Ricky Oregon, an East Bay resident.

The vehicle does not have any mounted weapons and will not be used to patrol the streets, according to the Redwood City Police Department.

The new vehicle will only be used for emergency situations, police said.