Militarization of the Police
In this post I will be addressing the law enforcement agencies in the nation and how their power has grown as well since the 9/11/01 attacks. I can remember as a little kid going to the police station in my hometown of Greenville, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I remember the friendly looking officers and the small jail cells. That was 10 years ago; now if you were to visit the same police station you would see a great difference.
The police stations in and around Pittsburgh, PA have gone under a complete overhaul from local law enforcement to full a militarized police force. In preparation for the G20 summit to be held in Pittsburgh in September 2009, the state of Pennsylvania gave out thousands of dollars to supply local law enforcement agencies with sound ray weapons, tear gas, full riot gear, hummers, 12-gage riot control shotguns, and M4 and M16 assault rifles.(Pittsbirgh Post Gazzete, 2009) The local police were more equipped than the standard infantrymen of the Army. The total number of officers in attendance was 4000 to counter the estimated 4500 protesters.
Joining the local law enforcement were members of the Pennsylvania National Guard which is a blatant Violation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. This act clearly states that “No military personnel shall take up the role of law enforcement within the United States boarders.” (Washington Post, 2008) Since the 2009 G20 protest in Pittsburgh, the government has disbanded the Posse Comitatus Act. Now the Pentagon plans to have 20,000 military personnel to take up policing duties by 2011. (Washington Post, 2008)
The last time in history a civilization allowed the military to become part of law enforcement were countries like Germany 1939-1945, China 1963-1978, and North Korea 1986-present day. As you can see the by example that the other countries who have had a militarized their police force have stripped their citizens of their freedoms. People say that history has a habit of repeating itself, and it seems it may in our country.
Hey, Smitty,
ReplyDeleteA good thing to try out is the gadgets. Try adding a picture of the towers burning. That will cause a lot of pathos. Also, post a video about the phone tapping, the video cameras, or the armed guards. Even better, get a news broadcast of Fox making an outrageous point of a possible terrorist attack.
I was a bit confused at first, but I can see what your arguement is about and agree very much. Our nation is turning a bit too militaristic. This was an awesome blog, Smitty.
ReplyDeleteHey Philip -- check your profile blurb -- I think you spelled your last name wrong.
ReplyDelete