Bloomington mayor nearing decision on armored police truck

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Bloomington's mayor is expected to decide in the coming week whether to go ahead with buying an armored truck for the city's police department.

Opponents argue the truck is militaristic and unnecessary. Mayor John Hamilton tells WFIU-FM that he's received many comments on both sides of the issue. Hamilton says he wants to balance racial justice concerns along with protecting residents and police officers during dangerous situations.

The city ordered the $225,000 vehicle in June. Protesters have objected to lack of public notice about buying the Ford F-550 truck outfitted with metal plating and bulletproof glass.

A Bloomington spokeswoman tells The (Bloomington) Herald-Times that the city can't cancel the order but hopes to reach an agreement with the supplier if the mayor decides against accepting the vehicle.