When the line between our police and our military becomes blurred, problems occur. Police hiring, training, and arming practices should not convey a preference for force but for de-escalation and alternative problem-solving methods.
Key Points:
- Militarism is a philosophy in which there is a preference for the use of force to resolve all problems.
- Community engagement in the policies of a policing agency is important to the relationship between the police and their community.
- While military weapons can sometimes serve a purpose in civilian law enforcement, the argument for their necessity should be subject to community scrutiny.