Demilitarize the police

Takeaways from Tallahassee, Florida Politics, 2/6/2021

 
Democratic Reps. Travaris McCurdy and Angie Nixon filed a bill this week to block local law enforcement agencies from purchasing surplus military equipment.

Under HB 187, police departments would not be allowed to "acquire, purchase or otherwise accept" specific gear, including armored combat vehicles, combat aircraft, drones, grenade launchers or explosives.

The bill would also disallow the use of tear gas or "kinetic impact munitions," such as rubber bullets and bean bag rounds, from being used against protesters.

"Research has shown that the militarization of local law enforcement through military-grade weapons, armored vehicles, combat attire, and other items provided by the Department of Defense does not reduce crime," McCurdy said. "There is no need for law enforcement agencies to be outfitted like combat soldiers while they are tasked with protecting and serving our community. The most important thing for policymakers and the public to know is that you can't justify giving surplus military equipment to police departments on the grounds it will lead to a reduction in crime. There is no evidence for that."

Nixon added, "Having been a community organizer for over 10 years, I have organized and led protests fighting for underserved and underrepresented communities. I am excited to join Rep. McCurdy in filing this legislation, which will aid in the safety of countless residents and organizations that peacefully protest while exerting their first amendment rights."