There is a growing trend within the Phoenix Police Department (as well the Maricopa County Sheriff Department) to become more militarized! You see that in the equipment and uniforms they wear, as well the tactics they utilize in the field. Pictured here a Phoenix Police officer in full military uniform, including military grade body armor and automatic assault rifle, flash bang grenades, semi automatic 9 mm, and what could be a gas mask.
There is a growing trend within the Phoenix Police Department to become more militarized!
“Militarization”, according to sociologist Timothy J. Dunn, author of the 1996 book on the militarization of American law enforcement agencies, “refers to the use of military rhetoric and ideology, as well as military tactics, strategy, technology, equipment and forces.”
You see this particularly in the Phoenix Police Department acceptance of the military as a model for their behavior. Increasingly the police are using more and more military equipment, including such things as Kevlar helmets, armored personnel carriers, explosive devices, body armor.
Phoenix Police “snipers” practice marksmanship at a firing range run by the Phoenix PD. Note they are using military grade long range hi powered snipe rifles with optical scopes.
The SWAT “modus operandi” (Latin: “method of operation”) of quick, violent military style confrontation has become the new normal in Phoenix. Some say it has spawned a culture of para militarization within the police force, more akin to that of a soldier than a civilian police officer.
Phoenix Police officers in full military gear. Note officer in front has 4 X 30 round weapon clips not including the one in his assault weapon is over 120 rounds? Prepared for war!
Phoenix police need to understand that they do not face an “enemy on a battlefield” but individuals protected by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States. The police in Phoenix seem to forget that they are to “protect and serve” not kill and destroy!
According to a source at the Pentagon, who wished not to be identified with this report indicated that Pentagon data reveals that under the Obama administration, “police departments have received tens of thousands of machine guns; nearly 200,000 ammunition magazines; thousands of pieces of camouflage and night-vision equipment; and hundreds of silencers, armored cars and aircraft.”
That includes the “Phoenix Police Department”, which is one of among hundreds listed as approved to receive military equipment. My source however refused to give me specific information on what types of gear has been given to the Phoenix PD, due to restrictions on the type of information he is authorized to give to “non approved” media sources.
My source at the Pentagon reiterated that he could only talk in very “general terms” with member of the press, unless he sought specific approval from his superiors.