FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police has added a specialized armored vehicle to its fleet that officials say will improve officer safety during high-risk incidents across the commonwealth.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that KSP purchased a “Rook” armored vehicle, a tactical machine designed for situations involving barricaded suspects, hostage incidents, riots and natural disasters. State police officials said the vehicle is the only one of its kind in Kentucky and one of 108 nationwide.

“Our brave law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to make our communities safer,” Beshear said in a statement. “Providing them the resources they need not only boosts public safety, but also helps ensure they can return home safely to their family at the end of each shift.”

The vehicle was purchased in December 2025 using asset forfeiture funds, money seized through criminal investigations, meaning no taxpayer dollars were used for the acquisition, according to KSP.

Officials said the Rook’s compact design allows it to operate in tighter spaces than traditional armored vehicles. The machine can also be outfitted with specialized attachments, including a hydraulic fork for removing obstacles and an armored personnel cage that allows officers to approach dangerous scenes with added protection.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said the purchase was made possible through investigative work conducted by troopers.

“This purchase is the direct result of successful investigative efforts by our troopers, turning funds that were derived from criminal activity into tools that help us combat crime and protect Kentuckians,” Burnett said.

According to the agency, KSP’s Special Response Team has already deployed the Rook eight times since it was acquired. Officials said it has been used to breach barricades and assist during high-risk warrant operations.

KSP Special Response Team Capt. Dallas Greer said the vehicle improves safety not only for officers, but also for civilians and suspects involved in tense situations.

“This capability allows us to de-escalate tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving situations from a position of distance and cover while applying best practices that prioritize safety and, more often than not, lead to a peaceful resolution,” Greer said.

The announcement was part of a broader public safety update from the Beshear administration, which highlighted recent investments in law enforcement training, school safety initiatives and statewide radio system upgrades for first responders.

The administration also pointed to decreases in statewide crime, recidivism and overdose deaths in recent years.