‘TOUGH ON CRIME’

Trump to Reinstate Military-Gear Transfer to Local Police

Program was significantly curtailed under the Obama administration.

The Trump administration is set to reinstate a controversial program that sends military-surplus equipment to local law-enforcement branches across the country. The program, known as 1033, was curtailed in 2015 through an executive order by then-President Barack Obama. It allows equipment such as grenade launchers, riot shields, and armored vehicles that the military no longer needs to be transferred to local police agencies. Supporters have argued that such equipment has proven to be necessary in the aftermath of major attacks like those in San Bernardino and Orlando. But opponents argue that military-style equipment has only made things worse, as when used during protests in Ferguson, Missouri.