Police lobby fights to keep military gear

[n2doc]

Police associations are beginning a major lobbying push to protect their access to the military equipment that was used against demonstrators in Ferguson, Mo.

Law enforcement groups argue a Pentagon program that provides surplus military gear helps protect the public, and they are gearing up for a fight with lawmakers and the Obama administration over whether it should be continued.

“We are the most vigorous law enforcement advocacy group, and we intend to be at our most vigorous on this issue,” said Jim Pasco, the executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police organization in the country.

The Fraternal Order and other groups told The Hill that they are already meeting with lawmakers’ offices in an attempt to get a jump on the issue before Congress returns from the August recess.

Read more: http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/216127-law-enforcement-lobbies-to-keep-gear

[avebury]

1. If cops want to play with tanks, grenade launchers and

other military gear - let them enlist and stay in the military. Until the police realize that this country is not a war zone and they can behave accordingly, then they have no need for military gear.

[jwirr]

3. Agreed. If they want to go to war enlist in the Army. There is nothing in the constitution that says

they can go to war against our citizens. My county only took 60 rifles and one shot gun and that larger city next to us did much the same with the exception of one of those mine proof tanks. The guns may be okay as they can be stored for years without using them but the heavy equipment is not needed. We the people of the USA are not at war.

[avebury]

4. My county took 16 helicopters and I whole bunvh of

other stuff I believe.

[jwirr]

5. A helicopter I could understand. They can be used in rescues but 16? If they had used their brains

in this program it may have actually been a good thing but they have gone way overboard. I would actually like to know what was going through the minds of the county and city officials when they armed themselves as if we are the enemy.

[avebury]

6. And we have Tinker Airforce Base in the same county. nt

[Exultant Democracy]

2. Police Unions tend toward evil and disgusting behavior.

That is why they supported Walker in WI when he went after the other unions. It is also why they almost always endorse the Republican candidate in any close race. They only support Dem's when there is no chance the other team will win.

[msongs]

7. a disreputable group to be sure nt