Quote:I think we're on the same page with a few differences.

 

 

I agree that many people have a problem with it, but I disagree that it's a problem. 

 

People don't like the way police look in helmets, heavy vests, and rifles. Those, however, are accessible to the public. As for the other things, mine-resistant vehicles have only ever been defensive measures. The other stuff aren't even used by the officers. They're used with special units for special tasks. Are you saying that they don't serve a purpose?

I am not saying they do not serve a purpose. I question the cost/benefit to their acquisition/maintenance and the flood gate scenario it opens to future acquisition and arming. I could be WAAAAY off but in my mind, the situations most types of this heavy gear would be needed for seems more up the alley for the national guard or the like. 

 

The problem isn't the perception that police forces have become military groups. The problem people have is that they have become military groups. It's not cops with pistols in holsters and vest with rifles/shotguns in the trunks of cruisers for emergency use with a specialized swat team on stand by. It's much more than that and appears to me at least, to be driven by the same type of arms race that keeps the defense industry booming. 

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