The rise of militarization in police departments has been a growing concern for many citizens across the country. The use of armored cars and spyware by local law enforcement has sparked fear and outrage among protesters. And now, a new report has shed light on an obscure military program that is only worsening the situation – the 1122 program.
The 1122 program, also known as the Defense Logistics Agency’s Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO), was created in 1990 with the aim of providing military-grade equipment at a discounted rate to state and local law enforcement agencies. The program operates under the guise of supporting counter-narcotics and counterterrorism efforts, but its reach and impact have far exceeded its intended purposes.
A recent report published by The Intercept has revealed the alarming extent to which the 1122 program has enabled the militarization of the police. It also highlights the potential for even further escalation under the Trump administration. The report, based on a study by the nonpartisan Stimson Center, found that the program has facilitated the transfer of almost $1.6 billion worth of military equipment to local law enforcement agencies since 1997.
This includes armored vehicles, grenade launchers, and high-powered weapons, among other items. Notably, the report also found that the 1122 program has enabled the transfer of advanced surveillance technology, such as drones and spyware, to police departments across the country. This raises serious concerns about the violation of civil liberties and privacy rights of citizens.
The consequences of this program have been evident in recent years, as we have witnessed law enforcement agencies using this military equipment against protesters exercising their constitutional rights. From the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, to the Standing Rock demonstrations in 2016, the use of armored cars and other military-grade equipment has escalated tensions and led to violence.
But the danger doesn’t stop there. The report also highlights the potential for further expansion of the 1122 program under the Trump administration. With his tough stance on immigration and law and order, there is a real risk of the 1122 program being used to target marginalized communities and suppress dissenting voices.
If this trend continues, it will only serve to deepen the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The increased militarization of the police will erode trust and further perpetuate the cycle of violence and oppression. It is crucial that we address this issue before it spirals out of control.
The good news is that there is growing opposition to the 1122 program. In fact, several states have already taken steps to limit the use of military equipment by their police departments. For instance, in 2015, President Obama issued an executive order that placed restrictions on the transfer of certain types of military equipment to local law enforcement agencies. While this was a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure the complete demilitarization of our police departments.
It is essential that we hold our elected officials accountable and demand transparency and accountability in the use of this military equipment. The 1122 program has been operating in obscurity for too long, and it’s time to shine a light on its impact. Our communities deserve to know how their police departments are being equipped and to have a say in the matter.
Moreover, the federal government must re-examine the use of the 1122 program and its underlying objectives. The program’s emphasis on counter-narcotics and counterterrorism is outdated and no longer reflects our current reality. We need to shift our focus towards building trust and promoting community policing rather than arming our police with military-grade equipment.
In conclusion, the 1122 program has become a danger to protesters and a threat to our democracy. Its unchecked expansion has only exacerbated tensions between law enforcement and the communities they are meant to serve. It’s time for a change. We must push for stricter regulations, transparency, and accountability in the use of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies. We cannot afford to stay silent on this issue any longer. It’s time to take a stand and demand the demilitarization of our police departments.
