Over in Berkeley, the University of California Police Department's plan to use homeland security funds to purchase an armor-plated, riot-squelching monster truck, has been shot down by city officials and school administrators. In a statement today, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau explained the "military-style vehicle is not the best choice for a university setting." Which: obviously.

UCPD had hoped to use a grant from the United Areas Security Initiative from the Department of Homeland security to foot the bill for the $169,000 Lenco Bearcat. Although Lenco appears to be a leader in the heavily armored SUV industry (even their brochures are password-protected!), Berkeley city councilmember Linda Maio recently spoke out about the vehicle, saying it was "inconsistent with our culture and our values."

Likewise, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates signed off on the cancellation statement saying the vehicle probably wouldn't get much use on the relatively tame streets of his city. As he told Berkeleyside today, BPD can always call Oakland or San Francisco if they need to bring in the heavy artillery.

Previously: Berkeley Police Agencies Want Hippie-Stomping Armored Vehicle
[Berkeleyside]