KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees has authorized its Public Safety Department to continue to receive equipment from military surplus through the sometimes controversial National Defense Authorization Act.
Vice President for Finance Jan Van der Kley says the federal government now requires an approval from the board before any new equipment can come their way.
Vice President for Finance Jan Van der Kley (courtesy Western Michigan University)
While some police agencies have been criticized for accepting tanks and heavy weapons, Van der Kley says they have not.
WMU has received mainly ammunition belts, face shields, a generator, and boots, which she says are things they would have had to purchase otherwise. Western did ask for and receive one high powered rifle 12 years ago, but it has never been used.
The board approved their continuation in the money saving program unanimously.
