OP ED

What if cops no longer got military surplus gear?

The Republic | azcentral.com
Police wait to advance Aug. 17 after tear gas was used to disperse a crowd during a protest in Ferguson, Mo.

Photos from Ferguson, Mo., launched a national debate about the Defense Department's program that distributes weapons to police agencies.

We asked two experts: What if Congress eliminated the program that sends military surplus to local law enforcement agencies?

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OFFICERS NEED THE GEAR

Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Termination of the U.S. Department of Defense 1033 program, taxpayer-funded military surplus, will detrimentally affect law enforcement nationally and present a negative impact on officer safety in the fight against violent crime. This is a true local concern for Arizona peace officers.

Proof of violent criminals armed with high-powered rifles is evident in the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Agent Terry was murdered by a heavily armed suspect. Criminals who pose an extreme threat and have no hesitation to use lethal force against officers will victimize innocent civilian communities.

Unlike the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, agencies that are unable to afford advanced equipment and weapons will be at a disadvantage to heavily armed and well-funded criminals.

Readers can decide if politics played a role in removal of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office from the Department of Defense program just after Congress discussed it. Fortunately, in our community, my office does not need military equipment, as it is in possession of new rifles, pistols, armored vehicles and aircraft of the highest quality.

Should politicians in Washington, D.C., terminate the 1033 program, they will bear responsibility for harm to officers who otherwise might be equipped to defend against violent criminals.

While other law enforcement agencies may go without, again our deputy sheriffs will not!

Joe Arpaio is Maricopa County sheriff.

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TANKS HAVE NO VALUE

Paul Penzone

The lack of discipline, shortsightedness and rush to judgment will lead to bad decisions. Eliminating the military surplus to local law enforcement program would be a mistake.

There have been many occasions where the lack on discipline by a few leads to criticism by many. Criticism has value, but we are addressing the symptom, not the problem. Like it or not, law enforcement has militaristic characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to properly equip those who counter force with force. The problem lies with inadequate leadership, poor decisions, ultimately using a sledge hammer to drive a nail.

The military program provides law enforcement with tools that otherwise are unavailable. Cops face the threat of substantial violence every day. The growing problem of domestic terrorism has become a police problem as much as a governmental issue.

Law enforcement must show discipline. Tanks have no practical law enforcement value; they are tools of aggression designed to attack. Armored vehicles have great value in a tactical deployment against a sizable threat; they are invaluable when extracting a wounded officer.

Fifty caliber machine guns are for warfare, not municipal enforcement. Assault rifles are precise tools, when responsibly deployed and in the hands of well-trained officers. Camouflage is designed to conceal one's presence, not to intimidate the masses.

The military program provides access to tools that would otherwise be unavailable. Law enforcement leaders must demand discipline and accountability. You can't be trusted to police others if you fail to police yourself. Establish sound practices and protocols and we all benefit.

Paul Penzone is a security consultant and retired police officer.