In just the past year, the Pentagon sprinkled $500 million worth of military equipment to local law enforcement. The swag comes from the department’s excess property program, which has supplied more than $4.3 billion worth of gear since 1997. This includes military aircraft, weapons like grenade launchers, and armored vehicles. And it’s just a click away for police: Local departments can shop on the Defense Department’s website for smalls arms and supplies, or fill out a one-page request form for an armored vehicle.
