Language of the Discipline
Militarization of police is the use of military tactics and equipment by local police officers. (Definition by: ACLU.org)
Parallels
- Community
- The parallels between the change of equipment and the change in attitude in police officers is that the police officers convince themselves that they are at war with the communities. According to the article, Police Militarization, the author states, “Federal programs providing surplus military equipment, along with departments’ own purchases, have outfitted officers with firepower that is often far beyond what is necessary for their jobs as protectors of their communities.” This states that federal programs and police departments have supplied police officers with weapons that are to much beyond their duty of protecting their communities.
- Global
- Militarization of police is international. Israel/ Palestine, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Afghanistan, France, Belgium, Burundi, Mexico, and Egypt have all militarized their police officers. According to the article, Police militarisation is global, the author states, “ Feeding this process, arms companies are developing new weapons and marketing approaches – there are now several international trade expos specifically aimed at bringing the arms industry together with police and security forces.” This mean that since arms companies are developing weapons they are working with the police and security forces.
- Personal