Military Surplus Recall Won't Affect St. Cloud PD

ST. CLOUD -- Law enforcement agencies will be going through their military surplus equipment to determine what they can keep and what they need to return to the federal government. It comes on the heels of President Obama's announcement this week to restrict the use of certain military surplus items in police departments and sheriff's offices.

Several departments in Minnesota have former military equipment like rifles and night vision goggles which will still be allowed. However, a handful of others will have to return equipment like grenade launchers, bayonets and large caliber weapons.

St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson says his department doesn't have any of the restricted surplus items. He says he can't see any practical purposes for items like bayonets and large caliber weapons. The St. Cloud PD does have a tear gas launcher, but it's not a military grade grenade launcher like some departments have.

Chief Anderson says they will be allowed to keep the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, also known as MRAP because it is not a tracked vehicle.