The Department of Defense on Tuesday insisted that its program that funnels military gear to local police helps those officers do their job, even as that program comes under increasing scrutiny amid ongoing protests against law enforcement in Ferguson, Mo.
“By and large — and I’m speaking like any American citizen, and I’m sure you guys would agree with me — that law enforcement all over the country has a hard job to do,” Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters, as quoted by Politico. “And 99 percent of them all do it very well. And some of the equipment that they get through this program helps them do that job.”
Kirby added that the agency does not “push” that equipment on local police departments.
Several national lawmakers have called for a review of the federal programs that allow local police departments to request free military equipment from the Department of Defense. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) has also introduced legislation that would prevent the transfer of certain military-grade equipment.
As TPM has pointed out, both the Ferguson and St. Louis County police departments have received equipment from the U.S. military through the Department of Defense’s 1033 program.
Kirby further noted that the Department of Defense cannot control how local law enforcement uses the military equipment they receive from the agency, according to Politico.
Is it too much to ask for dash cams for the autos and individual video units for the officers, next time? They have enough Agent Orange and war toys.
I think this is the same guy who said a few days ago that this is useful equipment and it would be a shame to throw it away. And besides, “some of it” helps local cops “do their jobs.” And besides, we don’t “push” it on them. And besides, we have nothing to do with how they use it. What is the Pentagon’s stake in keeping this going? Could it be that congresspeople would be angry if Pentagon spending slowed, and they are awash in useful equipment? Have they found a way to expand their contractors’ markets? I think so. I think this is the same thing as lady guns and junior sized guns for kids. Here’s a simple test of local police “need” for this stuff - simply require them to pay something for it. Even better, if they need it, they can buy it directly from the makers, at full price. Either way, this stuff stops pretty quick.
What could possibly go wrong with such weaponry in the hands of frightened , untrained cops …
especially when the TV coverage stops?
Proving, once again, that “military intelligence” is the ultimate oxymoron.
Bullshirt. And we were expecting something else out of his mouth? He’s paid to tow the company line.
All a part of the Military-Industrial Complex, folks.