We need to get military-grade weapons and equipment out of the hands of our local police. The Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement Act of 2021 repeals
the dangerous 1033 program, which allows the Department of Defense to
send military equipment to federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies for use in typical police operations.
Since its inception, over $7.4 billion in military weapons, equipment,
and vehicles have been transferred to over 8,000 law enforcement
agencies. But
we know how dangerous it is to militarize local law enforcement - and
we know that it only exacerbates the over policing of communities of
color. That’s why we need to repeal the 1033 program. | |
The data is clear. One study, for example, indicates that possession of
1033 hardware increases the likelihood of violence in communities.
Other studies show that areas receiving military equipment are more
likely to see police officers resort to violence. There is even evidence
that the presence of military equipment creates a higher likelihood of
police officers being attacked. The
Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement Act of 2021 - sponsored by Rep.
Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) repeals the dangerous 1033 program - a
necessary step to make our communities more safe. Take action now and tell your Congressional representatives to support the Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement Act of 2021. | |
