Obama: Militarized Police ‘Give People the Feeling There’s an Occupying Force’

‘We’re going to prohibit some equipment made for the battlefield that is not appropriate for local police departments’

RUSH TRANSCRIPT:
BARACK OBAMA: "Today we're also released new policies on the military equipment that has been provided. We've seen heels militarized gear can sometimes give people the feeling like there's an occupying force, as opposed to a force that's part of the community that's protecting them and serving them, can alienate and intimidate local residents and send the wrong message. We're going to prohibit some equipment made for the battlefield that is not appropriate for local police departments. There's other equipment that may be needed in certain cases, but only with proper training. We'll ensure that they not only get the equipment they need, but the training they need to go with it. The overwhelming majority of police officers are good, honest and fair, they care deeply about their communities, they put their lives on the line every day to keep them safe. Their loved ones wait and worry until they come through the door at the end of their shift, so we should do everything in our power to make sure they are safe and help them do the jobs as best they can."

Video files
Full
Compact
Audio files
Full
Compact