A novel new Princeton study found no evidence whatsoever that the militarization of police reduces crime or keeps officers safe. The study used a large statistical survey and defined militarization as things like the use of large caliber munitions, urban camouflage and tank-like vehicles.
The study, however, does show that the militarization of local law enforcement agencies is linked to neighborhoods which are predominately black. Even when adjusting for social factors like crime rates, poverty, education and more, there is a direct correlation to race. In other words, police militarization is inherently racist in its implementation.
The study's findings also suggest that militarization has the potential to alienate citizens from their local law enforcement officers.
Unfortunately, although President Obama issued an executive order which largely curtailed the transfer of military equipment to police departments, this was entirely reversed last year by President Trump.
Please add your name to this petition to ask that the country's largest police union, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, lobby the U.S. Justice Department and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reconsider their support of police militarization!
