HICKORY, N.C. – Since protests began after an 18-year-old in Ferguson, Mo., was shot and killed by a police officer Aug. 9, videos and photographs circulating make the city of about 21,000 in St. Louis County look like a war zone.
Armored vehicles roam the streets, tear gas is being used on protesters and SWAT officers are walking around the streets carrying M4 assault rifles.
Scenes of military-type weaponry being paraded around are rare in the United States, but local law enforcement agencies possessing high-powered firearms isn’t.
In addition to purchasing armored vehicles, assault rifles and other equipment used in combat, local law enforcement agencies have the option of applying for excess Department of Defense property through the Law Enforcement Support Office, through the 1033 program created in 1997, according to the Defense Logistics Agency’s Disposition Services website.
Three local police departments and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office talked to HDR about equipment in their possession that might resemble military-type gear. Equipment these Catawba County-based agencies possess isn’t abnormal for local police departments or sheriff’s offices.
