The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has issued a report on the "militarization" of American police forces, which may or may not be justified.
It might be acceptable if states used the equipment for counterterrorism purposes, not serving warrants on drug suspects, Washington Times reporter and
"Police State" author Cheryl Chumley tells
Newsmax TV’s "America’s Forum."
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"In states around the nation, police departments at the local level are using this military grade equipment including MRAPs, which is mine-resistant ambush protected armored vehicles, and Kevlars, full body gear, and so forth … to serve warrants on drug suspects, often times leaving innocent Americans like the 19-month-old toddler baby in Georgia who was just released from the hospital, often leaving innocent Americans killed and injured," Chumley said.
She joined hosts J.D. Hayworth and John Bachman, along with former NYPD Detective Wally Zeins, to debate a recent ACLU report titled
"War Comes Home: The Excessive Militarization of American Policing." The report states that people of color are disproportionately impacted by the use of paramilitary tactics that are wreaking havoc and carnage and sometimes harming innocent people.
Zeins countered that while tragic accidents happen, such as the one involving the Georgia toddler, enhanced security measures are necessary to combat not just drug dealers in "no-knock search warrants," but terrorists, emotionally disturbed people, and professional criminals.
"There is a war on drugs out there, and the dinosaurs would be here today if they were able to deal with change," he said. "Law enforcement has to deal with change."
The element of surprise and all the gear needed to ensure officer safety are part of the tool kit of law enforcement, he added.
Chumley disagreed, arguing that "a police officer's first duty and priority is not safety of the police officer. It's to serve and protect the American citizens."
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