Local law enforcement officers say the armored police vehicles used in San Bernardino, California, can help save lives.
On Wednesday, thousands of people saw armored vehicles surround the suspects' car after a mass shooting at Inland Regional Center that killed 14 people. The two alleged gunmen were later killed during a shootout with police.
Rock Island County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Steve Ven Huizen says the incident is a tragic example of why local law enforcement agencies have that type of equipment.
"That's exactly it," said Ven Huizen. "We don't want to put any officers in harm's way unnecessarily, and if we're able to have an armored vehicle that can get us close and help prevent any more casualties, that's what it's there for."
Rock Island County has an armored rescue vehicle known as a BearCat. The truck has bullet-resistant glass and can carry up to 10 people. It's typically used during standoff situations to remove hostages or bring in tactical officers.
"If we didn't have the use of the armored protection, in certain situations we'd have to put officers in harm's way in order to get closer to any type of scene where there may be a possible hostile, barricaded subject," said Ven Huizen.
Earlier this year, police in Ferguson, Missouri, were accused of using excessive military force when trying to control crowds and riots. In response, President Obama announced a ban on the sale of some surplus military equipment to local police agencies.
Ven Huizen, though, says that equipment can be a useful tool.
"I really believe it's how you use your piece of equipment," said Ven Huizen.
Rock Island County has mutual aid agreements with other agencies in both Illinois and Iowa, so the BearCat can be used in any city that its needed.