Police departments across the country utilize surplus weapons, vehicles, and other equipment from the U.S. military to clamp down on community protests. Police departments receive surplus military equipment through an obscure Pentagon program, called the “1033 Program”, which has enabled the transfer of more than $7.4 billion in surplus military equipment to more than 8,000 law enforcement agencies around the country.
Research has shown that outfitting police in military-style armor and weaponry can alter their mentality towards civilians, causing them to see community members as enemy combatants and act accordingly.
Militarized policing erodes public trust in law enforcement. This must be stopped. Biden campaigned on demilitarizing the police and pledged to sign an Executive Order that would do just that. But now, he is caving to pressure from police unions. We must apply pressure of our own and demand that he follow through with his promise.
We must also insist Congress enact permanent legislation to demilitarize the police by putting an end to this free-for-all and prohibit the transfer of surplus military equipment to law enforcement.
We’re calling on President Biden and Congress to act and demilitarize our communities NOW. Thanks for all you do,
Erin Tulley, Daily Kos.
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