WASHINGTON
The White House said Monday that it is limiting the provision of surplus military equipment to local police forces.
The surprise announcement follows an interagency review of the program that was prompted by a strong-armed police response to protests in Ferguson, Missouri last August. The scenes of riot-geared police and heavily armored vehicles on U.S. streets filled with tear gas prompted strong criticism in the U.S. and abroad.
“There is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement. And we don’t want those lines blurred”, President Barack Obama said amid the ongoing tumult.
Tracked armored vehicles, weaponized aircraft, firearms of .50 caliber or higher, grenade launchers, bayonets and camouflage uniforms are among the items that are now prohibited following the months-long review.
The Law Enforcement Working Group found that the prohibition is warranted because of the “substantial risk of misusing or overusing these items".
But police are still able to receive “controlled items” from the military that include drones, wheeled armored or tactical vehicles, specialized firearms, explosives and riot gear.
In order to receive those items, local police forces will have to follow more stringent procedures starting in October. It includes providing a compelling reason as to why they need the equipment, receiving appropriate training in the equipment's use consistent with "the protection of civil rights and civil liberties", and being required to collect and retain information on such equipment whenever it is used in a “significant incident”.
In addition, police departments will have to receive approval from a local governing authority, such as a city council or mayor, before they can make their request.
Monday’s announcement comes as Obama prepares to travel to Camden, New Jersey, where he will highlight community outreach efforts by the local police department in an impoverished city that is consistently ranked among the most violent in the nation.
