I get a little miffed at the argument that the police are becoming “too militarized.” Detractors say that law enforcement has no need for the equipment that the U.S. Government has been distributing from its arsenal of aged or obsolete equipment. This controversial military equipment comes mainly in two flavors: weaponry or protection.
As to weaponry, we are talking rifles. My agency just took possession of two dozen older Colt M-16s from the Department of Defense at a very low price per unit. Before the naysayers get in an uproar, understand that we already have more authorized fully automatic rifles for our SWAT team. Our street officers also field semi-automatic civilian model AR-15’s.
This is representative of most police departments and sheriff’s offices around the nation. Rifles have been recognized as a more appropriate weapon for modern police officers than the traditional shotgun to counter today’s violent offenders.
Back in February of this year, I published the results of an FBI study into Active Shooter Events from 2000-2012. The recommendation by the FBI was that, “Officers ought to have firepower at least equivalent to what they will face if they go in harm’s way.” The study urged that today’s police officers should have access to patrol rifles and protective armor.
The American Civil Liberties Union says the DoD lets police agencies have “grenade launchers.” Actually, they are old M79 40mm launchers that the cops can only use for less lethal gas and distraction munitions. Police cannot even acquire deadly anti-personnel rounds for them. “Grenade launcher” is intentionally used for its inflammatory connotations.
The Department of Defense, under the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997, 1033 Program, is not giving police departments hand grenades, anti-tank rockets, crew-served heavy machine guns, or phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range. They are Continue reading →
