FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Fresno Police Department has a new massive bulletproof truck.

Police say it will be used to "enhance officer and public safety during high-risk incidents."

The new Lenco Bearcat is built on a 2023 Ford F550 chassis and is rated to withstand direct impacts from high-powered rifles, including .50 caliber rounds.

Police say the armored truck will be used to protect the community, officers, and crisis negotiation teams during high-stress calls like hostage rescues and active shooter incidents.

While the truck still needs to be outfitted with Fresno Police Department insignias, the department says the new truck will be a significant upgrade from their 1999 model, which served the region for nearly two decades.

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