Do police really need tanks and bazookas?
Source: Orjan F. Ellingvag / Getty
While many Americans are focused on the catastrophic damage going on with our families in Texas, the president snuck in a new program involving law enforcement.
The Associated Press reports President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order undoing an Obama administration directive that restricted police agencies’ access to the gear that includes grenade launchers, bulletproof vests, riot shields, firearms, and ammunition.
The changes fall in line with Trump and Attorney General Jeff Session’s vision of law-and-order. Trump promised law enforcement agencies during his campaign to make equipment available in order for them to do their jobs and be safe.
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum says it is rare that police will need military gear and tanks in order to protect and to serve.
“It is hard to imagine any situation where a grenade launcher or bayonet would be something that a major police department would need, but defensive shields and armored vehicles kept on reserve will be welcome,” he said.
Making sure our police men and women are safe should always be a top priority. However, the argument is military equipment encourages and escalates confrontations with officers. Case in point, police in Ferguson during the Mike Brown riots were wearing the same militarized equipment Trump is ready to give to police. They met peaceful protesters with military gear, tear gas and tanks, which escalated the situation.
Source: Black America Web
