Bloomington officials create rules for armored police truck

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Bloomington officials have barred the Indiana college town's new armored truck from being used for crowd control at public demonstrations.

The Herald-Times reports that the City Council voted Wednesday to solidify policies developed and reviewed by Bloomington Police Chief Mike Diekhoff and the city's Board of Public Safety. Bloomington Municipal Code now also prohibits the armored truck from carrying affixed firearms, water cannons and devices that can fire a projectile.

The rules adopted by the council come months after the city's decision to purchase the Lenco BearCat for the Police Department's Critical Incident Response Team to use in high-risk situations.

The purchase has drawn criticism from opponents who worry the vehicle would militarize the town's law enforcement. The council says to expect future legislation to further address the public's concerns.

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Information from: The Herald Times, http://www.heraldtimesonline.com