Police Militarization In America. Mauricio Rodriguez Arizona State University

Argument Although some people believe police militarization is a positive strategy for police enforcement to use, it is not because it violates the first amendment, targets minority communities and causes psychological and physical harm among civilians.

First Amendment Violations Many Americans argue that the police actions that occurred in Ferguson, Missouri violated the protesters right to peacefully assemble. Reporters from KARG Argus Radio stated that police began “… attacking reporters; they are attacking civilians. They are firing up on the media"(Josh Levs 2014).

First Amendment Violations According to the First Amendment in the United States Bill of Rights Congress cannot pass any legislation that prohibits “…the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…” Tony Rothert, legal director for the ACLU, claims that “the First Amendment has been suspended in Ferguson”(ACLU 2014)

Minority Targets Police are only deploying heavily armed officers in minority communities. According to the American Civil Liberties Union nearly half of all SWAT operations target either a Latino or African American. African Americans alone are targeted thirty nine percent of the time by SWAT. According a study done by the Center for Constitutional Rights, over half of all NYPD traffic stops are done to African Americans.

Minority Targets

Psychological and Physical Harm Post Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health PTSD “develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm.

Psychological and Physical Harm Tear gas is a synthetic organic halogen compound that irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes and irritates the upper repertory tract (Britannica 2015). Death does occur in a few rare cases. Master Sergeant Dean Wagner lost his right hand and received serious injuries on his right leg when “…two flash bangs suddenly detonated…” (David Hambling 2009).

Solutions. Police enforcement must also be able to fully train their officers to be able to handle the weapons they have been issued. To ensure that police enforcement do not harm the public they must take steps to make sure they can appropriately use military grade equipment.

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