The militarization of the police has turned civil servants into a standing army. The use of a SWAT team in thousands of home invasions for non-violent offenders every year have caused unacceptable amounts of loss of life, destruction of property, and psychological damage to families and other innocent bystanders. The use of riot police at major political rallies, marches, and protests, infringe upon our right as Americans to peaceably assemble and have once again caused unnecessary loss of life.
In order for this to end, Congress must re-evaluate the legal use of SWAT against non-violent offenders, make common sense laws about the use of military equipment by police, and institute national policies that create an ideal environment for community policing.