AUSTIN—Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the policy paper “On the Militarization of Our Police” authored by Randy Petersen, senior researcher at TPPF and former law enforcement officer.
“The militarization of our police officers carries with it the risk of the accompanying philosophy of militarism, that being a preference for the use of force above all other options in solving problems,” said Petersen. “Proper hiring, training, and community involvement in policing policy can mitigate that risk.”
Key points:
- Militarism is a philosophy in which there is a preference for the use of force to resolve all problems.
- Community engagement in the policies of a policing agency is important to the relationship between the police and their community.
- While military weapons can sometimes serve a purpose in civilian law enforcement, the argument for their necessity should be subject to community scrutiny.
To read the paper in full, please visit:
https://www.texaspolicy.com/on-the-militarization-of-our-police/
For more information, please contact Sarah Silberstein at [email protected] or 512-472-2700.