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Federal Program Supplies Oregon Police Departments With Military Equipment

KEZI

In the wake of a police officer killing an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, the militarization of local jurisdictions is under criticism. The federal government has financed and donated everything from Humvees and tactical equipment to night vision scopes. The Oregonian reports the Springfield Police Department received 238 surplus items between October 2012 and March of this year. Springfield Police Captain Rick Lewis was quoted saying:

"I understand the public concern over where these materials are coming from, but if you take a step back, I think a lot of people will realize that these items are mostly used to better protect officers and citizens."

The Defense Department's 10-33 Program shows Oregon agencies received more than 4 thousand surplus military items since 1997. 

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