Many Americans were stunned to see the amount of military-style equipment used to quell protests last August after a white police officer killed an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Missouri.
In the aftermath, debate has raged among law enforcement officials, civil rights organizations and others about federal programs that dole out surplus vehicles, weapons and ammunition to police.
On Monday, the White House said the U.S. government would stop providing much of the more controversial gear, which includes grenade launchers and certain types of heavily armored vehicles.
President Obama’s decision will put in place the positive recommendations of a group that reviewed the issue after Ferguson.
To be clear: The president did not kill the federal programs. Instead, his decision will ensure that many police departments will still have access to equipment they can prove they need to protect themselves and their citizens.
In addition, oversupplying gear to too many police agencies will be curbed. Overall, these steps eventually could help improve public trust in police.
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