Letters

The proposed town budget item to acquire a Bearcat armored tactical vehicle for the Southampton Town Police Department is troubling [“Southampton Town Unveils $143 Million Budget That Would Hike Taxes 9.7 Percent, Add More Police,” 27east.com, October 2].

The purchase of a military-grade vehicle seems completely out of proportion to the needs of our town. Southampton, like many communities across the country, is not engaged in military conflict, and there is no justification for the acquisition of such an aggressive piece of equipment.

We live in scary times, with too much conflict. The presence of a “tank-like” vehicle on our town roads could send the message that the government views its own citizens as adversaries, rather than partners in ensuring public safety. Aren’t we seeing enough of this dangerous and hostile behavior on a national level?

The Bearcat, a vehicle designed for military use, has no place in a civilian community like ours. Its acquisition raises serious concerns about the priorities of our local government and the message it sends to residents, particularly those who already feel over-policed, afraid or marginalized.

Southampton is a community of families, workers and neighbors who expect our town government to invest in public safety, not through intimidation and fear but through transparency, accountability and genuine community engagement. Introducing a military-grade armored vehicle into our town’s policing toolbox may undermine the public’s trust.

Although the Bearcat is used by law enforcement in large cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, and is very useful to law enforcement in emergency, terrorist and rescue situations, what specific scenarios justify its use in Southampton? And what safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse or overreach?

At a time when so many residents are calling for greater investment in mental health resources, affordable housing and preservation programs, the decision to pour taxpayer money into a piece of battlefield equipment is both tone deaf and irresponsible.

Southampton should choose investment in people over what might be perceived as a weapon of coercion.

Brigid Maher

Hampton Bays