Posted on Aug 16, 2014
Militarizing the Police - Why? Does it Accomplish Anything?
11.3K
19
27
1
1
0
There have been a string of articles, some written before the Ferguson, MO debacle, questioning the way our police forces are getting to resemble a military occupying force (and a brutal one, at that). Some of this criticism goes at least back to the '60s when many urbanites complained that the police acted like occupiers, not protectors. This is the first article in what I see as a somewhat coherent chain over the last several weeks: http://taskandpurpose.com/military-right-americas-police-getting-wrong/
Police
Politics
Law Enforcement
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
2
2
0
IMHO we don't need a review of the weaponry itself but the training, ROE, definitions of imminent danger and decision making involved in escalation of the use of force up through use of deadly force. It seems all too often, things go fro 0 to 60 in nothing flat because the patrolman makes the call - in some cases warranted - to immediately escalate before the police command can review the tactical situation.
(2)
(0)
SPC Angel Guma
Sir-
Very Respectfully...why? I mean all due respect too. Just why police act this way but soldiers don't is beyond me.
Very Respectfully...why? I mean all due respect too. Just why police act this way but soldiers don't is beyond me.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
As you mentioned, gangs, drug cartels, and terrorists do hold access to weapons that currently outclass our law enforcement.
Setting aside the fact that there are cops who abuse their positions and power, there are plenty more who don't. As someone who has family members in the local law enforcement for a major metropolis, I find it disturbing that pretty much all they are allowed to carry is small caliber handguns.
When I personally own a high caliber long-ranged rifle, and if I wanted I could just go down to the gun store and get another; plus ammo, a better scope, a bi-pod for the front end to help keep it steady, etc.
My point is simply this.
It is difficult for Law Enforcement to maintain Law and Order, if it is far more easier for those who choose to break the law to outclass them in weaponry.
Which is where the basis for removing high powered weapons from being able to be purchased by civilians and making them illegal. Which won't do a damn thing towards actually solving the issue. All it will do is strip law-abiding citizens of their ability to use and own such weapons. Its not going to stop a gang member from not owning and carrying a sub-machine gun or high powered rifle. Just those that choose to follow the law will be punished for something that is beyond their control.
If Law Enforcement should be able to be properly equipped to at least match the situation they find themselves in.
Setting aside the fact that there are cops who abuse their positions and power, there are plenty more who don't. As someone who has family members in the local law enforcement for a major metropolis, I find it disturbing that pretty much all they are allowed to carry is small caliber handguns.
When I personally own a high caliber long-ranged rifle, and if I wanted I could just go down to the gun store and get another; plus ammo, a better scope, a bi-pod for the front end to help keep it steady, etc.
My point is simply this.
It is difficult for Law Enforcement to maintain Law and Order, if it is far more easier for those who choose to break the law to outclass them in weaponry.
Which is where the basis for removing high powered weapons from being able to be purchased by civilians and making them illegal. Which won't do a damn thing towards actually solving the issue. All it will do is strip law-abiding citizens of their ability to use and own such weapons. Its not going to stop a gang member from not owning and carrying a sub-machine gun or high powered rifle. Just those that choose to follow the law will be punished for something that is beyond their control.
If Law Enforcement should be able to be properly equipped to at least match the situation they find themselves in.
(1)
(0)
What ever they need to destroy the bad guy is fine with me.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Recent history has shown that criminals are outgunning the police. Force must be met with like force, or we end up with anarchy. The police need to be equipped to deal with criminals with assault weapons, body armor and other assorted arms/armament. The Police need to take some time to outline the P&P for use of force with the new equipment.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
When I took a college course in Public Speaking, I was noticing a recurring theme in becoming a great speaker: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. Over the years I realized how this concept can be applied universally. I can definitely see how getting carried away with the unnecessary show of force can create waves here in US.
A peaceful protest for the most part shouldn't have been forcefully subdued by excessive force because of a minor instigation. This is AMERICA, not China or Russia that can take this kind of abuse. I am indeed disappointed by seeing what appeared in my opinion as excessive use and show of force in a SMALL TOWN.
Finally let justice prevail for Michael Brown without any further unreasonable use or show of force.
A peaceful protest for the most part shouldn't have been forcefully subdued by excessive force because of a minor instigation. This is AMERICA, not China or Russia that can take this kind of abuse. I am indeed disappointed by seeing what appeared in my opinion as excessive use and show of force in a SMALL TOWN.
Finally let justice prevail for Michael Brown without any further unreasonable use or show of force.
(1)
(0)
SCPO (Join to see)
One point that seems to get lost is that even *if* he was a bona-fide suspect, leaving his body lying in the street for a long time (I've heard as long as two hours - does anyone know if that's right?) is unacceptable. As you say, this is America.
(0)
(0)
SGT Rick Ash
SCPO Gregg Davis
The fact is, Michael Brown laid in the street for 4 hours, Two of that uncovered with his brains splayed out in front of his head from the fall forward. The last two hours Michael was covered in a yellow tarp.
No militarization there but in other cities it is out of control and with the military preparing to retire the "Humvee" in favor of a new vehicle we will see many police cars across the nation replaced by scores of humvees. Not even taking into consideration the damage done to the streets by routine patrols, think about the impact this will have on the minds of all children under 10 years of age. Will they perceive the police as approachable? The impact is incalculable.
"To Protect & To Serve", as we see it on all patrol cars now would look ludicrous on a Humvee. I just don't see that happening.
The $$ spent on the unnecessary "militarization" could have built more missions, Shelters and soup kitchens to aid the less fortunate. I was never given the opportunity to vote on this budget measure, were you?
The fact is, Michael Brown laid in the street for 4 hours, Two of that uncovered with his brains splayed out in front of his head from the fall forward. The last two hours Michael was covered in a yellow tarp.
No militarization there but in other cities it is out of control and with the military preparing to retire the "Humvee" in favor of a new vehicle we will see many police cars across the nation replaced by scores of humvees. Not even taking into consideration the damage done to the streets by routine patrols, think about the impact this will have on the minds of all children under 10 years of age. Will they perceive the police as approachable? The impact is incalculable.
"To Protect & To Serve", as we see it on all patrol cars now would look ludicrous on a Humvee. I just don't see that happening.
The $$ spent on the unnecessary "militarization" could have built more missions, Shelters and soup kitchens to aid the less fortunate. I was never given the opportunity to vote on this budget measure, were you?
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
This is a very tricky and political question to answer. Is there some over use of force by the police - yes. How does law enforcement level the playing field? In major cities, street gangs often out gun the police force. If the police can't protect themselves how can they protect the everyday citizen? Giving that most people fully support the right to bear arms, shouldn't law enforcement have the ability to suppress an armed encounter? Can they do that with just a six-shooter? We pretty much all agree that a pistol is a last resort personal defense weapon, so what happens when the police have to take the offense? Can they hold out with pistols and duty uniforms with no armor until the situation gets bad enough - days or weeks - until the governor can declare a state of emergency to call out the NG? When people take to the streets and loot and riot what are the police supposed to do - block off the streets and let the looters have at it so they don't accidentally hurt someone while the looters and rioters destroy and pillage innocent businesses?
(1)
(0)
SCPO (Join to see)
You raise some good points - certainly trained and properly equipped riot police are needed to contain actual riots. Similarly, SWAT teams are needed to respond to hostage situations and confrontations with heavily armed groups. However, as we found in Iraq and Afghanistan, "coming in heavy" often provokes the type of violence that police are supposed to be preventing.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I read this one a few minutes ago Senior Chief. It is a very interesting read and I thought that I would share...
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2014/08/veterans-ferguson-matthew-farwell?mbid=social_twitter
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2014/08/veterans-ferguson-matthew-farwell?mbid=social_twitter
What Combat Veterans See in Ferguson, Missouri
“Watching the tragedy-turned-drama of this week unfold in Ferguson, Missouri, I kept wondering where the adults were.”
(1)
(0)
SCPO (Join to see)
Yes - it seems like articles on this theme are ex...err..proliferating. Maybe we can reverse this dumb trend.
(1)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
Vanity Fair posted that? Interesting. Unless it's the 'vanity' of police gear and power. Good read by the way.
Makes me want to give idea to the new movie title: Team America World Police II: Ferguson Chronicles
Makes me want to give idea to the new movie title: Team America World Police II: Ferguson Chronicles
(1)
(0)
1SG Steven Stankovich
The link was shared by a friend of mine. I was surprised of the magazine that was carrying it, but what can you do.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
For ever bad action made by a police officer in this country, I can counter with something great done by a police officer. If we were all judged by the bad things that a group did, there would be no one looked favorably upon. By your argument, we could say the military as a whole are out of control.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Are you talking militarization (ie equipping with more military like weapons and equipment) or police misconduct? they are not the same thing.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Like this kind of equipment? My opinion, allow the Police to decide and defend their requirements, based on the threats they believe may effect their jurisdiction. Military equipment within reason should not be banned through broad based policy.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/ [login to see] 001/police-pull-body-from-suspects-vehicle-in-san-bernardino/?intcmp=hpbt1&playlist_id=trending#sp=show-clips
http://video.foxnews.com/v/ [login to see] 001/police-pull-body-from-suspects-vehicle-in-san-bernardino/?intcmp=hpbt1&playlist_id=trending#sp=show-clips
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google