While Latah County Sheriff’s department is in the process of acquiring an armored vehicle, Pullman police said the department doesn’t have plans to obtain the former military hardware.

The armored vehicle, known as a Peacekeeper, served in the ‘70s and ‘80s as a patrol vehicle for U.S. Air Force bases.

Latah County announced its plan for the Peacekeeper last week and Latah County Sheriff’s Lt. Brannon Jordan said the vehicle would not be used during riots.

“It would be used to protect our deputies in situations where an armed gunman has barricaded himself, or even to rescue a downed deputy or citizen under fire,” said Jordan. “It would not be used in a riot situation and only in protection for our deputies in a situation where they may come under fire.”

The Pullman Police Department said in similar situations they would rely on the Whitman County Sheriff’s office.

 “We do not have one and we don’t plan to get one,” said Pullman Police Sgt. Dan Dornes. “If one was needed for reasons such has police transportation or protection, or a situation where a man we believe to be armed has barricaded himself in a building, we would rely upon Whitman County to supply the armored vehicle.”

The WSU Police Department does not have a similar vehicle.

Agencies all over America are learning and observing from the recent shootings in Ferguson, Missouri, as armed rioters and protesters caused havoc among police officers armed in heavy riot gear, that resembled those worn by soldiers overseas.

Latah County said this kind of vehicle is not meant for overwhelming local citizens, and the county is highlighting the key rolls it could play in hostage other dangerous situations, where possible gun fire could be exchanged and officers need the additional.

Jordan recalled a 2007 shooting in which a gunman killed one Moscow police officer and wounded two more civilians. “I wish we had this vehicle back when this occurred,” he said.

Congressman Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho) said he is working with local democratic lawmakers to stop the “militarization” of the Latah County Sheriff’s department.

In a prepared statement addressing the Peacekeeper, Labrador said, “To be clear, this bill would not prevent law enforcement from obtaining armored vehicles. It would limit the federal transfer of U.S. military property to local law enforcement. Local agencies would be able to keep what they have already received from the U.S. government. They also would be free to spend their own money as they see fit.”