A 37,000-pound armored truck that was once used by the military in Iraq and Afghanistan will now be used by the Salinas Police Department for SWAT team operations. Salinas' newest addition is certainly a head turner. Some residents felt alarmed by the truck's massive size, while others questioned how a police department with financial struggles could afford a truck worth more than $650,000.VIDEO: Check out Salinas' military truckPolice Chief Kelly McMillin defended the military tank-like truck. "It provides a high capability of protection for our officers and the community," McMillin said. Detectives said the SWAT team was in serious need for a new truck. The old 1986 armored money carrier was rusted and didn't provide much protection. A .40 caliber gun could shoot right through it. The new truck will stop any handgun rounds, rifle rounds up to .50 caliber, and rocket-propelled grenades. Salinas received the armored truck for free thanks to the 1033 Program that allows the military to give its unused equipment to local police department. The truck got a new paint job and lights, but other than that, it was ready to go.One of the most useful features of the truck is its observation deck. It gives officers a unique vantage point and earlier this week a suspect who was considered extremely dangerous was nabbed because they could see him running blocks away.

A 37,000-pound armored truck that was once used by the military in Iraq and Afghanistan will now be used by the Salinas Police Department for SWAT team operations.



Salinas' newest addition is certainly a head turner. Some residents felt alarmed by the truck's massive size, while others questioned how a police department with financial struggles could afford a truck worth more than $650,000.

Advertisement Related Content Salinas PD's giant military tank turning heads

VIDEO: Check out Salinas' military truck

Police Chief Kelly McMillin defended the military tank-like truck.

"It provides a high capability of protection for our officers and the community," McMillin said.

Detectives said the SWAT team was in serious need for a new truck. The old 1986 armored money carrier was rusted and didn't provide much protection. A .40 caliber gun could shoot right through it. The new truck will stop any handgun rounds, rifle rounds up to .50 caliber, and rocket-propelled grenades.

Salinas received the armored truck for free thanks to the 1033 Program that allows the military to give its unused equipment to local police department. The truck got a new paint job and lights, but other than that, it was ready to go.

One of the most useful features of the truck is its observation deck. It gives officers a unique vantage point and earlier this week a suspect who was considered extremely dangerous was nabbed because they could see him running blocks away.