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Statement Regarding President of the United States Lifting
Ban on Military Equipment For Police
I am a strong supporter of providing our public safety
employees with all essential equipment to insure they can do
their job and provide for their safety. However, I was
alarmed by last week’s news that the President of the United
States has lifted the ban on providing certain surplus
military equipment to police departments. In particular,
The Toledo Blade printed a front page story: Military
equipment ban for police lifted: Restrictions went too far,
Sessions says that in part stated:
Mr. Obama issued an executive order in 2015 that severely
limited the program.
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His order prohibited the federal government from providing
grenade launchers, bayonets, tracked armored vehicles,
weaponized aircraft and vehicles, and firearms and
ammunition of .50-caliber or greater to police.
As of December, the agency overseeing the program recalled
at least 100 grenade launchers, more than 1,600 bayonets,
and 126 tracked vehicles — that run on continuous, tank-like
tracks instead of wheels — that were provided through the
program.
I have communicated my concerns to Chief of Police Kral
about the City of Toledo acquiring equipment which by design
is not appropriate for use in the civilian policing
environment. I will likewise communicate the same to the
City Administration and I will strongly oppose any effort to
acquire this level of weaponry for use by the City of
Toledo.
Sincerely,
Larry J. Sykes |
