Have you ever watched a movie and seen a typical cop leaning on an old Ford police car eating a doughnut, armed with a small gun and night-stick? I'm sure you have, for this image has been the stereotypical portrayal of a cop for decades. However, times have definitely changed. The number of violent acts and crimes occurring on a daily basis has risen almost exponentially since then, causing the government to increase security. This increasing demand for greater protection of the American people has caused a dramatic shift in police forces across America, especially in the area of equipment, according to the article "The Rise of the SWAT Team in American Policing"- The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/us/the-rise-of-the-swat-team-in-american-policing.html?ref=us&_r=0
Due to numerous tragedies such as 911, greater steps towards maximizing security have been taken on both the state and federal levels, especially within police departments. Many argue that the popular action figure "GI Joe" has become the new "Officer Friendly"; this is largely because police departments have become armed with items such as: M16 rifles, grenade launchers, and even armored trucks. Sounds more like an army than a police force, right? Many would argue yes, and that this new militarization technically violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the nation's armed forces in lieu of police force in the US. They argue that soldiers are strictly there to fight and defend our country in dangerous war zones, and police forces are for dealing with everyday crimes and conflicts.
The summoning of SWAT teams for crimes occurring within cities has increased drastically over the past few years; much controversy lately regarding the possible "over-militarization" of police forces was sparked by the violence that occurred in Ferguson, MO where unarmed protesters were corralled by police forces clad in heavy-duty military equipment. However, many Americans believe that the need for more security and enforcement is crucial. After events such as 911 and the bombing of the Boston Marathon, terrorism has become a real threat, and something we as Americans shouldn't take lightly, and should do everything in our power to prevent from occurring again. As much as we would like to deny it, there is much violence and danger in our world right now. Many Americans find the militarization to be occurring at an alarming rate, however, I believe that this is our new reality; the issue now becomes whether or not the government will be able to adequately arm and protect our nation without completely alienating the Posse Comitatus Act altogether.
Photo credit: http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/swat-teams-new-face-of-police-agencies/
The summoning of SWAT teams for crimes occurring within cities has increased drastically over the past few years; much controversy lately regarding the possible "over-militarization" of police forces was sparked by the violence that occurred in Ferguson, MO where unarmed protesters were corralled by police forces clad in heavy-duty military equipment. However, many Americans believe that the need for more security and enforcement is crucial. After events such as 911 and the bombing of the Boston Marathon, terrorism has become a real threat, and something we as Americans shouldn't take lightly, and should do everything in our power to prevent from occurring again. As much as we would like to deny it, there is much violence and danger in our world right now. Many Americans find the militarization to be occurring at an alarming rate, however, I believe that this is our new reality; the issue now becomes whether or not the government will be able to adequately arm and protect our nation without completely alienating the Posse Comitatus Act altogether.
Photo credit: http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/swat-teams-new-face-of-police-agencies/
No comments:
Post a Comment