Labrador Wants To Demilitarize Cops

Today, Reps. Raul Labrador (R-ID) and Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced the bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 , H.R. 5478, which would place restrictions and transparency measures on the Department of Defense program that transfers surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. “Our nation was founded on the principle of a clear line between the military and civilian policing,” Labrador said. “The Pentagon’s current surplus property program blurs that line by introducing a military model of overwhelming force in our cities and towns. Our bill would restore the focus of local law enforcement on protecting citizens and providing due process for the accused.” Under the Pentagon’s “1033” program, the Department of Defense has provided $4.2 billion in surplus military equipment – often from warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan – to state and local law enforcement agencies without charge/ Dan Popkey , press release, Office of Congressman Raul Labrador. More here. (Photo by Duane Rasmussen, of new KCSD BearCat)

Question: Do you support/oppose this legislation introduced by Congressman Labrador?