Military surplus, like tents used in the Korean War, can in theory be put to use by local law enforcement to increase cost efficiency. Program 1033 was curtailed by former President Barrack Obama after many cities returned “impractical” gear, and after the deadly protest in Ferguson, Mo., resulted in widespread criticisms that local police forces were being over-militarized.
Here’s a point counterpoint from both ends of the media.
Point By Philip Wegmann
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“We will not put superficial concerns above public safety,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions told the Fraternal Order of Police Monday. “The executive order the president will sign today will ensure that you can get the lifesaving gear that you need to do your job.”
Apparently that means making sure the local cop on your block has an armory stocked with night-vision goggles and bayonets, M-16A2 machine guns and .50 caliber sniper rifles, armored personnel carriers, and grenade launchers.
The Trump administration has resumed the transfer of surplus military weapons, vehicles and equipment to local police departments through what’s called the “1033 program.” This is a mistake.
The federal government got into the domestic gun running business under President George H.W. Bush in 1990, transferring $1 million worth of military gear to local law enforcement. Since then local police stations have turned into little Alamos with ammo dumps. By 2013 under President Obama, Uncle Sam was shipping $450 million in gently-used military equipment.
Counterpoint By John G. Malcolm
THE DAILY SIGNAL
...As of 2014, approximately 8,000 local law enforcement agencies have participated in the program resulting in more than $5.4 billion in previously purchased, surplus military gear—including computers, air conditioners, clothing, medical supplies, flashlights, ammunition, rifles, helmets, helicopters, and armored vehicles—being recycled for domestic law enforcement purposes.
In the wake of the riots in Ferguson, Missouri in August 2014 following the death of Michael Brown, President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13688, which established a Law Enforcement Equipment Working Group. That group subsequently issued a report recommending that the military be prohibited from transferring certain equipment, such as camouflage uniforms, high-caliber weapons, grenade launchers, and armored vehicles, with additional controls placed on the transfer of other equipment.
At the time he signed the executive order, Obama stated, “We’ve seen how militarized gear can sometimes give people a feeling like there’s an occupying force as opposed to a force that’s part of the community that’s protecting and serving them.” He continued, “It can alienate and intimidate local residents and send the wrong message.”
While there have been occasions where law enforcement officials have overreacted and have unwittingly inflamed a situation, it is also true that there are occasions where law enforcement authorities need such equipment in order to protect the public—for instance, during terrorist attacks, search-and-rescue operations, or in the wake of natural disasters. Equipment provided through this program is currently being deployed in Texas to save lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Such equipment also resulted in lives saved during police operations in response to the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino in 2015 and at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in 2016.
