Imagine a military grade tank rolling down your residential street, 撤OLICEspray painted on the gunner. In many parts of the country this is now a reality. In one county 6 million dollars was allocated to local police for armored vehicles. (Levitz) This and other military grade weapons have sparked a debate in the nation about militarizing the police. If you take into account, the original purpose of special forces, money spent, and the proportional response to a crime, militarization of police seems like an expensive alternative to community programs that are more effective.
The purpose of local police is to protect and serve the right of the people in the given community. It is not an argument that many …show more content…
If you take into account, the original purpose of special forces, money spent, and the proportional response to a crime, militarization of police seems like an expensive alternative to community programs that are more effective. The increased number of specialized officers shows an increased level of dealing with social problems by force. Local police officers needing drones and grenades to keep you safe are a matter of opinion. However, we do know that supporting local community outreach programs can help communities lower their incarceration rate; it can also help public opinion of public defenders. 展ashington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) study found that spending one dollar in community-based drug treatment yields over 18 in cost savings in terms of increased public safety and monetary savings; a dollar spent on drug treatment in prison yields nearly $6 in savings.(Rethinking, 50) Building communities with anti-drug programs, anti-gang programs can save money and keep raid related injuries/deaths down. Stopping SWAT raids can also improve the public opinion of police officers and rebuild relationships between the community and its protection. With highly special exceptions SWAT teams, and military grade weapons should not be utilized in the public