Quote: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. 

 

So state specifically which types of "heavy gear" that you are referring to.

 

Regular patrol officers are pretty much armed as you described, that being "pistols in holsters" and a vest.  Rifles are generally held in the trunks of police cars by those that are on the ERT or "SWAT" team.  Shotguns are/were generally held in the front seat in a secured holster where it can't be accessed unless needed.

 

Please give me some proof as to how police have "become military groups" and be specific.

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