How America’s Police Became an Army: The 1033 Program

The US devotes 23 percent of its budget to defense purposes and veterans benefits – more than the next 13 countries combined. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost $4 trillion alone. Even before the country pulled back from wars, the Department of Defense has distributed surplus equipment to willing takers, including allies and local police at home, many untrained: The weapons can fall into extremists’ hands, with the self-declared Islamic State in Syria and Iraq using artillery against religious minorities who refuse to convert to Islam, and US teargas canisters have been used against protesters in Turkey. US citizens are targets, too. Protests broke out in Ferguson, Missouri, after Michael Brown, 18 and unarmed, was shot, after being stopped by a police patrol for walking with a friend in the street. Images of local police aiming M16s perched on tripods at protesters troubled an entire nation and raised questions about the need for assault weapons, armored trucks and Humvees, camouflage gear, and surveillance technology distributed to communities. Analysts point out the police militarization may prompt a cycle of gun sales, more aggressive enforcement tactics and ongoing police dependence for such gear. The nation now reflects on its spending priorities, the waste and lack of transparency on where and how lethal weaponry is distributed. – YaleGlobal