The Heat: Militarization of US police

The Heat

The Black Lives Matter protests and calls for an end to police abuse following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American, have shone a new bright light on the issue of police militarization in the United States. It’s a trend that’s been growing for years and involves billions of dollars worth of military-style equipment provided to police departments by the US Defense Department. But, why did it happen? And, why are more and more people saying it’s time to stop it?

We begin with this report from CGTN’s John Gilmore.

To discuss:

  • Debbie Hines is a trial lawyer, legal analyst and former prosecutor.
  • TaLisa Carter is is an assistant professor of law and criminology at American University.
  • Marq Claxton is the director of public relations at the Black Law Enforcement Alliance and a retired detective with the New York Police Department.
  • Rashad Richey is a talk-radio host and political analyst.  

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