Police Militarization in the U.S

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Police Militarization in the United States
Merits of Police Militarization
Criminal gangs have considerably become more sophisticated necessitating employment of more advanced tactics from law enforcers (Fowler n.p). These criminals use such equipment as combat-modified firearms and body armor which can frustrate police efforts to combat them if not correctly equipped. Adequately equipped law enforcers especially those on the border are able to safeguard the country from external threats. Moreover, the police can combat drug dealers who employ advanced tools against any police threat to their operations. Increased terrorist attacks also necessitate the need for the police to be equipped appropriately for combat (Fowler, n.p). For instance, the 9/11 terrorist attack prompted the need to have law enforcers sufficiently equipped. Terrorists, both foreign and local tend to be heavily equipped, hence, there is an importance of notifying about it the police. It is indisputable that underequipped officers can be frustrated in ensuring an effective counterattack against heavily armored adversaries.
Demerits of Police Militarization
The appearance of local police as military members is misleading (Fowler, n.p). Law enforcers’ goal is to serve and protect the people (Fowler, n.p). However, a military appearance presents a combat atmosphere where communities view it as a confrontation. Therefore, instead of building a serving and protecting the atmosphere, militarization creates fear among civilians instead of a feeling of safety.

Militarization also marginalizes the Posse Comitatus Act (Fowler, n.p). The Act prohibits military participation in local law enforcement operations. The use of military tools overlooks this law. Additionally, the military work is to combat the country’s enemies and using these tools seems like the community is an enemy.
Opinion
Militarizing the police is essential in the current world considering advancement in how criminals operate. As Haberfeld and Cerrah indicate, the police need to operate in accordance with the law (9). However, different cases require varied approaches and officers need the freedom to make the most appropriate decisions based on each circumstance (Haberfeld and Cerrah, p.9). Although there should be a balance, militarization is one of those decisions that are necessary to ensure the safety of communities. Specifically, heavily equipped adversaries require equally equipped officers for effective operations. Moreover, communities feel more secure knowing bodies designated to protect them have adequate resources. It would be essential ensuring militarized police understand their goal which is to protect and serve and not to intimidate civilians. In fact, measures should be introduced as punishment to rogue police who may misuse their improved appearance against communities. Also, societies would benefit from sensitization of improved police appearance by becoming more accepting and trusting of these officers. Finally, building relationships with communities as officers is integral in building trust and improved service.
Works Cited
Fowler, Jeffrey. “Police Militarization in America – A Negative or Positive Trend?” In
Homeland Security. 2017.
Haberfeld, M R, and Cerrah, Ibrahim. Comparative Policing: The Struggle for Democratization.
Los Angeles: SAGE, 2008. Print.