Column: The militarization of U.S. police forces

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

http://news.yahoo.com/column-militarization-u-police-forces-175828669.html Reuters
By Michael Shank and Elizabeth Beavers 20 hours ago This month, more Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAPs) have found their way from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the Main Streets of America. These are just the latest acquisitions in a growing practice by Pentagon that's militarizing America's municipal police forces.

Police departments in Boise and Nampa, Idaho, each acquired an MRAP, as did the force in High Springs, Florida. The offer of war-ready machinery, at practically no cost, has proven hard to resist for local police departments. Increasingly, they are looking like soldiers equipped for battle.

The growing similarity between our domestic police forces and the U.S. military is a result of the Pentagon's 1033 Program. This allows the Defense Department to donate surplus military equipment and weapons to law enforcement agencies. In addition to the frightening presence of paramilitary weapons in American towns, the program has led to rampant fraud and abuse.

It does not have to be this way. Congress can, and must, take decisive steps to scale back the program and demilitarize American police forces. Here's how to do it.



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First, Congress should permanently ban the transfer of all military-grade equipment to our cities. The program has already transferred enough impractical machinery to local police forces — material that many police departments do not have the skill to use safely or the money to maintain. Georgia's Cobb County, for example, acquired one AR-15 assault rifle for each of its patrol vehicles, while Tupelo, Mississippi received a helicopter that needed $100,000 worth of upgrades and $20,000 each year in maintenance.

Due to the large amount of missing weapons, the Pentagon has now temporarily suspended new weapons shipments to domestic law enforcement agencies. This is a good step. But it is not enough — especially since the ban is expected to be lifted soon.

Meanwhile, city agencies are still free to transfer weapons to other cities and are still free to receive armored personnel carriers and aircraft from the Pentagon. As the new MRAPs patrolling Iowa and Florida now demonstrate, current limitations do nothing to discourage the militarization of local police.

Second, strict oversight must be implemented and consistently enforced if the Pentagon insists on continuing the program. Congress must step up to manage the program by setting new rules and restrictions. Localities not in full compliance must be barred from participation in the program.

Shocking, almost comical, examples of abuse have been well-documented — from the officer who sold his weapons on eBay, to the one who lent his weapons to unauthorized friends and the police departments that lost the military weapons or tried to auction them off.
This transfer of military weapons to police departments has a very sinister look to it . It as if something big is in preparation here. My guess would be gun confiscation! Let the asshats win control of the Congress in 2014 and Obama will pull the trigger on that is my guess. And doing so knowing it will start a civil war here! This certainly looks like prep work for that possibility!--Tyr

[fj1200]

This has come up before but I disagree. It's just Pentagon surplus that will create maintenance costs/problems down the road.


First, Congress should permanently ban the transfer of all military-grade equipment to our cities. The program has already transferred enough impractical machinery to local police forces — material that many police departments do not have the skill to use safely or the money to maintain. Georgia's Cobb County, for example, acquired one AR-15 assault rifle for each of its patrol vehicles, while Tupelo, Mississippi received a helicopter that needed $100,000 worth of upgrades and $20,000 each year in maintenance.

Did they just fall into the gun nut trap?

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

This has come up before but I disagree. It's just Pentagon surplus that will create maintenance costs/problems down the road.



Did they just fall into the gun nut trap? Despite any negatives its still a militarization of our police forces. Something is in the works for this to be geared up the way it has been . And doing this while Obama is on his anti-gun crusades certainly points to that being a sinister action with prepping for possible large scale use of that equipment IMHO.-Tyr

[fj1200]

Despite any negatives its still a militarization of our police forces. Something is in the works for this to be geared up the way it has been . And doing this while Obama is on his anti-gun crusades certainly points to that being a sinister action with prepping for possible large scale use of that equipment IMHO.-Tyr

The same thing would have happened if Romney had won. Unless he's in with the globalists too. :poke: But that's my issue with stuff like this; it smacks of the same type of stuff that I refer to as populism. Grab a few facts and make a giant leap based on what is true but doesn't necessarily justify the conclusion.

[aboutime]

This transfer of military weapons to police departments has a very sinister look to it . It as if something big is in preparation here. My guess would be gun confiscation! Let the asshats win control of the Congress in 2014 and Obama will pull the trigger on that is my guess. And doing so knowing it will start a civil war here! This certainly looks like prep work for that possibility!--Tyr



Tyr. I look at it this way. I'd rather see formerly used military equipment from our forces transfered to OUR police forces than...given to the Afghanistan military, or allowed to slip into the hands, and control of our enemies overseas.
Would some prefer destroying Multi-billions of dollars of former military equipment, and not allowing anyone to use it here to protect Americans?
That's how I see it.
Everything else that sounds like Conspiracy theory ammo for some. Just doesn't work for me.

[revelarts]

the militarization of the police has been going on for decades.
Obama is not the primary mover on this.
Whether someone thought it was good thing to do it or it was dark plan. ethier way it generally bad news.

If the military wanted to off load it gear why not tranlate it in peaceful usage where possible. give or auction guns to the public, the militia, responsible gun groups,
Helicapters could be given to recue squads, the coast gaurd and hospitals rather than COPS looking for someone selling weed.

the police in general have no need to armed and trained like military.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeY1qTGaMoc/UTjYW-axjuI/AAAAAAAADU8/VVlWf3vIi-w/s1600/copmorph.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAjljP5t-kM/UT3ZZTVquuI/AAAAAAAADPM/bmfhva6aWKg/s1600/police.jpg

https://d320ze5h7gg57a.cloudfront.net/files/images/crimjustice/jus13-tdnt-landingpg-town-rel2.jpg


FJ i know you trust the gov't not to misuse all of this firepower but why give them the benefit of the doubt?
It's UNNEEDED equipment in 99% of the locals in the US.

[fj1200]

FJ i know you trust the gov't not to misuse all of this firepower but why give them the benefit of the doubt?
It's UNNEEDED equipment in 99% of the locals in the US.

Whoa, I didn't say that, I just disagreed with the OP on its nefarious nature. Atlanta had problems with their Red Dog Team years before BO was on the scene and they've been shut down. But if you have the Feds offer to small towns the opportunity to get something they would have no means to get on their own and you bet they're going to take them up. What little sheriff/mayor/commissioner/etc. isn't going to like having that on their next reelection brochure?

OTOH if you have criminals expanding and becoming more dangerous its not surprising that law enforcement is going to have to take some steps to keep up. But yes, I agree its use is overstated and not every jurisdiction needs to have their own SWAT team.

[revelarts]

Whoa, I didn't say that, I just disagreed with the OP on its nefarious nature. Atlanta had problems with their Red Dog Team years before BO was on the scene and they've been shut down. But if you have the Feds offer to small towns the opportunity to get something they would have no means to get on their own and you bet they're going to take them up. What little sheriff/mayor/commissioner/etc. isn't going to like having that on their next reelection brochure?

OTOH if you have criminals expanding and becoming more dangerous its not surprising that law enforcement is going to have to take some steps to keep up. But yes, I agree its use is overstated and not every jurisdiction needs to have their own SWAT team.

oh ok,
but...
here a few more pick just for fun
http://endthelie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tampa-police-APC.jpg


http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2011/11/22/ucpd_lieutenant_john_pike_terrorizing_innocents.jp g

[Gaffer]

I agree with FJ about the towns taking advantage of free stuff. It could be useful someday. I also think a lot of this stuff should be made available to the general public.

One thing I do have a problem with is masks to conceal the officers face. Other than an under cover officer it's not something that is needed by the police, but I'm seeing it more and more. If he's in uniform he doesn't need to conceal his face.

[red states rule]

http://3wisemenessentials.com/images/totalitarianism_01.jpg

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I agree with FJ about the towns taking advantage of free stuff. It could be useful someday. I also think a lot of this stuff should be made available to the general public.

One thing I do have a problem with is masks to conceal the officers face. Other than an under cover officer it's not something that is needed by the police, but I'm seeing it more and more. If he's in uniform he doesn't need to conceal his face. Masks to conceal the officer's face are for the future goon squads Obama and crew have planned. Perhaps for squads that come to drag people away in the dead of night. A favorite method Stalin used in his purges. Obama loves Stalin . A fact. I have double and triple doors locked at night. Come for me I'll be up and firing12 gauge slugs thru which ever door is currently being entered by whomever. A man never lived that could stand up to a 12 gauge slug in the chest or the head. And they make those new 12 gauges that hold a damn lot of rounds too. - :beer:----Tyr

[red states rule]

Obama does not need any Secret Police or use the military to maintain "order"

He has the IRS

[aboutime]

Obama does not need any Secret Police or use the military to maintain "order"

He has the IRS


And, we should not forget. Obama also has His Very Own 5714 5715Armed-Guards for Polling Places too!

[red states rule]

Do not forget the union goons AT


http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1279303/thumbs/r-FAST-FOOD-PROTESTS-large570.jpg?6

[cadet]

http://www.policestateusa.com/2013/john-geer-shot-by-police/



<tbody>
SPRINGFIELD, VA — A paramilitary force was dispatched to a townhouse after a woman reported a domestic dispute between her and her boyfriend. When her boyfriend stubbornly chose to stay inside his home, police shot him and drove an armored truck through his front door.

The situation began on August 29th around 2:40 p.m. when John Geer — a 46-year-old kitchen designer and installer — was told by his girlfriend that she had decided to leave him. The couple had two daughters together, ages 13 and 17. Emotionally distraught over the breakup, Geer exacerbated the situation by throwing her belongings onto the lawn of their townhouse.

This led to her calling the police. She informed the dispatcher that he owned a firearm. A SWAT team was sent to the quiet cul-du-sac.

Geer’s home was surrounded by armored vehicles and uniformed personnel. A police sniper was photographed lying prone in a neighbor’s yard aiming toward Geer’s residence. Men in helmets and military fatigues cordoned off the neighborhood. Police began making their demands. An armored truck a topside gun turret parked in his yard and prepared for a strike command. As time went on, helicopters whirred overhead and K-9 units were seen by neighbors.

“We’re just here to help you — come out with your hands up,” recounted neighbor Edith Eshleman, of the police negotiations.

Fairfax County police officers spent approximately 40 to 50 minutes communicating with Geer, insisting that he either let them in his home or that he exit into their custody. He did neither. Geer was “a very stubborn man,” according to one of his relatives.

Geer’s girlfriend and two teenage daughters had already left when the negotiations came to an abrupt conclusion. An officer shot Geer through a screen door as he stood facing outward at them. Geer closed the door and retreated into his house.

Around 4:30 p.m., with Geer sill “barricaded” inside his home, police used their $250,000 armored Lenco Bearcat to drive a long battering ram through the front door. SWAT team members made entry and ultimately found Geer deceased in his home.

Don Geer — the victim’s father — watched the scene unfold from the front lawn of the townhouse where officers positioned themselves with their guns trained on his son. He confirmed that his son’s hands remained empty and resting on top of a screen door throughout the confrontation with police. When John lowered his hands about six inches, according to Don Geer, one of the officers fired a shot and hit John, causing him to retreat.

Police did not immediately say whether John Geer was armed or why the officer decided to open fire, nor would they discuss the details of the conversation between the officers and Geer before the shooting. Geer’s father says that he was too far away to hear the conversation, but claims that a detective assigned to investigate the case told him that his son that his son was not holding a gun at the time of the shooting and that he did not have one on his person.

“It was very scary because I’ve never seen coming down the street a SWAT team — I mean, a SWAT team?!” exclaimed neighbor Valerie Findley.

Neither Geer’s father nor his good friend understand why the standoff ended in the death of a man with no prior convictions for violence. They do not believe that John was armed at the time, though both acknowledge that he owned a gun. Geer’s father said that the detective in charge of the investigation told him that a holstered handgun was found on the stairway landing a “couple of steps” from the front door where he was shot.

“If he doesn’t have a weapon in his immediate possession, the officer should not have fired,” Don Geer said. “He would have to have turned around, bent over and then picked up the gun to present a threat. It’s pretty hard to say the shooting was justifiable.”

The officer involved was placed on routine administrative leave while the investigation continues, and police are remaining tight-lipped about the details of the incident. Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler said that the shooting is still an active criminal investigation adding that he could not provide more information about what happened, or address neighborhood concerns just yet. They have not yet revealed what justification, if any, their officer had for shooting Geer. The police said in a written statement, “Precise movements, contents of the discussion between officer [and the] man, and all pertinent matters relating to the incident are under investigation.”

“It’s my goal when I can legally share that information with the community, I will,” Roessler told News4. In September, investigators confirmed that Geer had been unarmed, according to WJLA.

The police response arguably escalated the situation instead of defusing it. This is a recurring theme in a string of examples of how police suffer from a dearth of training in how to deal with unarmed, uncooperative citizens who had not been charged with committing any crime. What police lack in empathetic response, they more than compensate for with an excess of military toys and the use of force.

Their unsubstantiated concern for the safety of the public notwithstanding, the police are required to seek a warrant from an impartial magistrate before engaging in the search of private property and seizing of persons. The allegation by an equally emotional girlfriend that John Geer was an owner of firearms does not constitute probable cause to violate his rights and ultimately end his life. As John Geer had not yet committed any offense to warrant his arrest, and with his family already off-site, police should have defused the situation by themselves leaving the scene.

Refusing to be forced from your home or to allow agents of the state to enter without a warrant is not an offense punishable by execution. And though his mental state was, in the words of his friend Jeff Stewart, “emotionally wrecked that day,” the antagonistic response from the state cannot be touted as a positive outcome by any reasonable standard.

</tbody>

[cadet]

http://news.msn.com/us/fla-city-bans-guns-for-neighborhood-watch-volunteers

[fj1200]

http://www.policestateusa.com/2013/john-geer-shot-by-police/

Well, when your site is called Police State USA... :poke:


Fodder for drummond

[Arbo]

Whoa, I didn't say that, I just disagreed with the OP on its nefarious nature. Atlanta had problems with their Red Dog Team years before BO was on the scene and they've been shut down. But if you have the Feds offer to small towns the opportunity to get something they would have no means to get on their own and you bet they're going to take them up. What little sheriff/mayor/commissioner/etc. isn't going to like having that on their next reelection brochure?

OTOH if you have criminals expanding and becoming more dangerous its not surprising that law enforcement is going to have to take some steps to keep up. But yes, I agree its use is overstated and not every jurisdiction needs to have their own SWAT team.

You appear to be the only person in this thread using common sense. Congratulations.

There are more and more cases of LEO's overreacting and using too much force, but that more than likely has to do with the attitude and disposition of some that go into LE than some master plan to go after citizens (as the OP suggests). It seems that far too often, threads like this belong in a CT section. ;)

[cadet]

Well, when your site is called Police State USA... :poke:


Fodder for drummond

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-30/local/41600363_1_swat-team-police-front-door


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gb1o9YO8uc


It just happened to be the site I came across. There's plenty of others.

[fj1200]

There's plenty of others.

I know, it's just a matter of what extensions we make from what might be unrelated occurrences.

[revelarts]

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-30/local/41600363_1_swat-team-police-front-door

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gb1o9YO8uc
It just happened to be the site I came across. There's plenty of others.

police over reaction much...
Woman calls says a her man has a gun . AAAA!!!! call SWAT, bring a TANK! GET the TACTICAL RV!!! SNIPERS!!!! DOGS!!! CLEAR THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!!

ok okok He talking but he didn't OBey everything the police said. So he's a real treat to public safety there at the door of his own house.
WHA! he dropped his empty hands TOO FAST! FIRE FIRE FIRE!!
Ok he's dead. and we found one dangerous hand gun on the other side of the house. just like our tip said. that was a close one.phew



just crazy.

[fj1200]

John Oliver Talks Ferguson Violence & Militarized Police: 'This Whole Story Is Depressingly Familiar' (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/18/john-oliver-ferguson-militarized-police_n_5687450.html)

The comedian reserved his most pointed barbs, however, for the police themselves, not just in Ferguson but throughout the country. While Oliver made it clear that "not all cops are bad," he drove home the top-down problem of an increasingly militarized police force in the wake of the war on drugs and September 11 attacks.
"The police are not soldiers. So why in this photo from Ferguson are they wearing fucking camo? They are northwest of St. Louis, not northwest of the Amazon." He went on, "If you are a cop in the United States, you should dress for the job you have, not the job you want."

[debater]

Americans are whistling down to the concentration camps.

[Gunny]

Americans are whistling down to the concentration camps.Wow. 2013. Gaffer's even in this one. Anything going on in the world TODAY? Not yours apparently.

[debater]

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
You're no more a chinese commie than the man in the moon is.

You're a class A troll, and here to do nothing more than to troll, and disrupt the board.

[aboutime]

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.



I thought you looked familiar....<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcknGuj_1Dwi4DBHbt5_Dcvc8E99Q-F8bCF2uqks0lNSUqhfMy">

[Black Diamond]

You're no more a chinese commie than the man in the moon is.

You're a class A troll, and here to do nothing more than to troll, and disrupt the board.
I knew that about him. I always had the itchy trigger finger. :laugh:

[debater]

Some Americans may have felt uneasy 35 years ago when DUI laws, DWI checkpoints, seatbelt laws, and car liability insurance laws were started, but most people felt that the experts must be right.


Pro-police state shows like "COPS" and "America's Most Wanted" were then aired, neighborhood watch groups were formed, "get tough on crime" candidates were elected, and laws allowing mandatory minimums, IMBRA, 3 strikes laws, curfews, police militarization, teen boot camps, school metal detectors, private prisons, and chain gangs were enacted.

Nanny state smoking laws then started appearing.

When 9/11 happened, the Patriot Act was passed, NSA wiretapping, no knock raids, take down notices, no fly lists, terror watch lists, Constitution free zones, stop and frisk, kill switches, National Security Letters, DNA databases, kill lists, FBAR, FATCA, Operation Chokepoint, TSA groping, civil forfeiture, CIA torture, NDAA indefinite detention, secret FISA courts, FEMA camps, laws requiring passports for domestic travel, IRS laws denying passports for tax debts, gun and ammo stockpiles, laws outlawing protesting, Jade Helm, sneak and peek warrants, policing for profit, no refusal blood checkpoints, license plate readers, redlight cameras, speed cameras, FBI facial and voice recognition, tattoo databases, gun bans, the end to the right to silence, free speech bans, searches without warrants, CISPA, SOPA, private prison quotas, supermax prisons, sex offender registration laws, and sex offender restriction laws were allowed.

Now that the USA is a total police state, Americans are finding out that changing anything is impossible and that freedom is lost forever.