Local law enforcement agencies in California and elsewhere will have an easier time getting their hands on military-grade weapons and other sophisticated equipment like mine-resistant armored vehicles or MRAPs.
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reversing an Obama Administration policy limiting the scope of the federal government’s 1033 program, which allows for transfers of surplus military equipment to local police forces.
Growing concerns over the so-called “militarization” of local police departments was a major story two years ago, prompting the Obama Administration’s action. California County News and California City News covered it here, here, here and here.
Is this debate headed for a comeback? We’ll be watching.