Local, state, and campus police forces are now outfitted for military combat! And these vehicles and weapons are not just used for hostage situations as in the past, but for minor drug possession raids, and other suspected offenses where the perpetrators would not be expected to be heavily armed, Many tragedies of mistaken addresses have resulted in the innocent killing of citizens.
These weapons/vehicles are also being used to stop peaceful demonstrations, effectively denying the First Amendment rights of demonstrators. The recent Ferguson, Missouri demonstrations are an example, but certainly not a solitary incident!
Please stop this militarization of the police who are supposed to serve and protect US citizens, and not attack them! Please also instruct the Pentagon to buy back arms.