MERIDIAN -- This week, we heard from the Boise police chief about the importance of using military weapons and equipment.
Now, we're hearing from another local police department that says they refuse to accept any of the tools or vehicles provided by the federal government.
Meridian police say the equipment simply doesn't support their mission.
Their spokesperson says they made the decision three years ago, and are still standing behind it.
You may have seen the large, MRAPs, mine resistant - ambush protected vehicles, at various scenes in the Treasure Valley.
One was used in the search for a gang member in Caldwell earlier this month.
Another, was sent out in Boise last year at a home with more than 100 pounds of explosive material inside.
Nampa, Caldwell and Boise all have MRAPs, that were used in Iraq, and have been distributed by the federal government.
But Meridian police chose not to get one of the armored vehicles, or any other surplus weapons through the program.
"We knew immediately what we wanted our image to be to our community and what type of equipment we wanted to utilize," said Meridian Police Deputy Chief Tracy Basterrechea.
Basterrechea says they made a clear rule years ago that their city's image did not support these types of weapons.
"We don't want to just get something because it's free, you want to be about to be able to get something that really fits your mission as patrol officers and as a police department in your community," said Basterrechea.
He says they have received rain gear and rifle scopes, but no weapons or vehicles.
Meanwhile, Boise's police chief has recently been vocal about their need for that type of equipment.
"The reality is these threats exist, we as a community must recognize that and be prepared as a community to protect ourselves from these high risk and dangerous situation occur," said Boise Police Chief Michael Masterson.
Meridian police admits they have borrowed similar equipment from the Ada County Metro SWAT for specific scenes in the past.
But, they maintain their relationship with their citizens drives them to a different type of policing, and a different image.
"You have to be very aware of the aesthetics of what the public sees when you are doing your job, but I think even more importantly is what is the relationship you've built with that community," said Basterrechea.
Last year alone, nearly $450 million worth of property was transferred to local agencies.
When those departments are done with the equipment, it will go back to the federal government.
