Due to continuing news reports on the use of heavily armed police to deal with non-violent offenses, we request that the executive branch limit the provision of such capabilities to a few federal agencies that have expertise and experience with their appropriate and effective use. Inter-agency cooperation should still make it possible to react appropriately to real threats.
Encourage Congress to reconsider funding for such capabilities that it supplies to state and local governments. It is neither necessary nor desirable for every town to be able to project military scale force. Once in hand, the temptation exists to justify the maintenance of equipment and training through use.
While mindful of the need for police forces to keep themselves safe, the current trend endangers civilians.