Lubbock County Sheriff's SWAT team training on brand new vehicle

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - The Lubbock County Sheriff Department's SWAT team is training on a new vehicle to fight crime.

According to Lt. Jason Stewart the tactical operations unit cost nearly $250,000, but was paid for by federal grant money from the Department of Homeland Security.

"This vehicle is basically an insurance policy for the county. When we need something like this it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it," Stewart said.

An outer steel shell can house up to 12 people. Small ports allow authorities to fire a weapon from the inside. A turret lies on top of the vehicle for additional protection.

The vehicle also contains a moving infrared camera that can sense heat signatures for use at night. Stewart said a public address system is on the vehicle to allow members to communicate with people outside the vehicle.

"It's used for operations with our SWAT unit and some instances that it may be employed would be shots being fired at officers or the public," according to Stewart.

Stewart said the unit will not only serve Lubbock but also the 15 counties in our South Plains region.

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