Local news- Press Release
Cleveland County Sheriffs Office Oklahoma - Cleveland County Sheriff Equipped to Better Protect Citizens 20 May 2022 ( news )
Cleveland County Sheriffs Office , state Oklahoma ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
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Cleveland County Multi - Jurisdictional Special Weapons and Tactics ( SWAT ) Team to begin utilizing the Cleveland County Lenco BearCat for high - risk crisis response . In June 2021 , Sheriff Amason announced a partnership between the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office ( CCSO ) and the Moore Police Department ( MPD ) to form the South Metro SWAT team . Sheriff Amason and MPD Chief Todd Gibson want to provide all Cleveland County citizens with the safety , protection , and service they deserve . “The reason we acquired the BearCat is simple; it is to save lives and allow our deputies to do their job in the safest way possible . ” Amason said . Moore Police Chief Todd Gibson said , "I appreciate the partnership we have with the Cleveland County Sheriff ' s Office and the cooperation to improve law enforcement capabilities in Moore and all of Cleveland County . " With approval from the Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners ( BOCC ) for the purchase of a Lenco BearCat G3 armored vehicle , Sheriff Amason is fulfilling his promise to provide state - of - the - art equipment to enhance the safety and security of the citizens of Cleveland County in the event of a critical incident . The BearCat G3 is a fully armored vehicle capable of comfortably seating 10 - 12 law enforcement personnel or citizens . The BearCat is designed to protect first responders from incoming fire , protecting individuals from rounds up to 50 caliber . This allows law enforcement to approach potentially deadly situations under cover , aiding in evacuations of citizens in harms way . Anytime there is potential for encounters with an armed subject , such as active shooter situations , Sheriff Amason will deploy the Bearcat . Sheriff Amason says that an incident in Norman in spring of 2021 was a big reason for his push to obtain the BearCat . “Officers were dealing with an active shooter targeting residents’ homes and vehicles as well as officers on the scene; hindering all evacuation efforts . Residents and officers were forced to take shelter , using vehicles and homes for protection until armored vehicles from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Moore Police Department could arrive . ” Sheriff Amason can now deploy the BearCat throughout Cleveland County and the surrounding counties immediately for incidents involving hostage situations , barricaded subjects , recovery of downed officers or citizens , and high - risk warrant service . “Our armored rescue vehicle has no offensive capabilities . It is a protective platform for citizens and peace officers . It will greatly increase both the capabilities of our SWAT team and the safety of deputies responding to dangerous situations . I believe it is imperative that I provide the necessary tools to save lives . ” Sheriff Amason says .
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