While it’s not uncommon to see military-grade vehicles rolling across the islands or soaring through the clouds, President Barack Obama of local law enforcement agencies to arm themselves with equipment that’s geared more toward the battlefields than the streets Waikiki.
Specifically, the president says no federal funds or programs should be used to put grenade launchers, tanks, armed aircraft or 0.50 caliber guns in the hands of local cops.
It’s a response to last summer’s protests in Ferguson, Missouri, over the death of Michael Brown that saw citizens clashing with police officers outfitted in military-style combat gear. It’s also an attempt to help soften police officers’ image at a time when mistrust of law enforcement is widespread.
Civil Beat reported in August that local agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department, have received millions of dollars worth of equipment from the feds, including armored vehicles and crowd-clearing devices that emit loud sounds that can permanently damage a person’s hearing.
But it’s not just local law enforcement agencies that benefit from the equipment giveaway. According to 1033 Program data from the Pentagon, Hawaii’s local FBI office has received three mine-resistant vehicles and some infrared equipment.
You can check out this handy widget from The Marshall Project to see what other agencies across the U.S. have received:
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About the Author
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Nick Grube is a reporter for Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at nick@civilbeat.org or follow him on Twitter at . You can also reach him by phone at 808-377-0246.