‘Thanks But No Tanks’: Citizens Protest Warner Robins Police Armored Vehicle

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -“Thanks, but no tanks”–that’s the message a group of protestors wanted to send to the Warner Robins Police Department on Saturday.

Nearly a dozen people stood outside of city hall in opposition of the plans to purchase a new armored vehicle. The citizens have become a regular fixture in the town attending council meetings to express their views.

“I see a militarization of police,” said protest organizer Jason Patrick, “I mean there’s hundreds of these bought all across the country and their paid for by Department of Homeland Security.”

“Getting a vehicle like this will really escalate the police department’s tactics, they’ll change what they do,” said Curtis Sirmons, a protestor.

Last month, city council approved the agreement with the to purchase the bullet proof car. The city plans take out a $251,000 loan or grant to lease the Lenco Bear-Cat armored vehicle. At the initial meeting, council members said the purchase will help improve public safety in the community.