(08-21-2018 10:31 AM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  New research finds that the militarization of police does not reduce crime, and it reduces support for law enforcement

Quote:The militarization of America's police has been hotly debated in recent years. Critics argue that effectively turning cops into soldiers risks alienating them from the communities they supposedly serve.

New research provides evidence supporting such warnings. It finds the use of SWAT teams—perhaps the most common and visible form of militarized policing—neither reduces crime nor enhances public safety.

https://psmag.com/social-justice/militar...duce-crime

This is a dubious report. First of all--SWAT teams are not regularly deployed anywhere. They are only called upon in specific situations where a more military type police presence would be helpful to preserve life. You'll only see SWAT type units at hostage and armed stand off type situations or large events or locations that are at high risk of possible terrorism. Keep in mind, these SWAT units were a response to police forces in the 60' and 70's running into armed terrorist and criminal groups that were far better armed than the police. Its a silly debate. Police are not being militarized. They simply have created a small team of trained officers capable of using military tactics and weapons to counter a very limited number of extremely dangerous armed situations and groups. Its not like SWAT teams are doing routine traffic patrols down Santa Monica Ave.