By G.W. Schulz and Andrew Becker
California Watch
California Watch
Led by the Modesto Police Department, law enforcement agencies in Stanislaus County have snapped up some $4.2 million worth of surplus military equipment since 1993 through a special Defense Department program.
Modesto police account for $2.6 million of that total, having acquired everything from a cargo truck and helmets to chemical- protection suits and rifles. However, it’s been a few years since the department received surplus equipment.
In 2011, Stanislaus County agencies collected more than 2,400 pieces, their highest total ever.
Stanislaus County is far from alone in tapping a vast supply of free military surplus to arm and equip its officers. Public agencies around the state have grabbed cast-off military goods that become available on a weekly basis.
Modesto Police Chief Mike Harden said the federal surplus program has provided equipment over the past two decades that would have been difficult for his department to purchase. Budget cuts in the past several years have impeded the ability to buy equipment.
“If a department wasn’t taking part in this type of program now, it would be missing the boat,” Harden said. “You’re going to have to do your homework. Some of this stuff might be weathered or not be applicable to municipal use.”
An “inert rocket launcher” even turns up among data obtained by California Watch. It’s nonoperational weaponry the Stanislaus County sheriff’s bomb squad displays to educate children about dangerous explosives, Sheriff Adam Christianson said. The launcher doesn’t have a trigger and sits in the locked bomb squad truck.
Homeland Security burden shifting to cities, counties
As anti-terrorism grants dwindle, local governments asked to step up
Federal anti-terrorism grants have given Tennessee cities and counties emergency response equipment that, a decade ago, they couldn’t have tried to buy in their dreams.
But they didn’t have to. The money was real: $192 million given to Tennessee by the Department of Homeland Security, in the name of fighting terrorism, which paid for remote-controlled bomb-handling robots; special equipment for collapsed building rescues; high-tech surveillance cameras; all sorts of boots, masks and body armor; and food for police dogs. There was even a training seminar about how to apply for more money.
It’s all been part of a revolution in emergency management that has played out over the past decade, a monumental shifting of the financial burden for keeping Americans safe from cities and counties to the federal government. But now, as concerns about runaway spending take precedence, there’s talk of shifting it back.
And not just talk. More and more, cities and counties are being asked to maintain all the high-tech gadgetry they obtained.
And what have Americans gotten for their money?
[more...]
But they didn’t have to. The money was real: $192 million given to Tennessee by the Department of Homeland Security, in the name of fighting terrorism, which paid for remote-controlled bomb-handling robots; special equipment for collapsed building rescues; high-tech surveillance cameras; all sorts of boots, masks and body armor; and food for police dogs. There was even a training seminar about how to apply for more money.
It’s all been part of a revolution in emergency management that has played out over the past decade, a monumental shifting of the financial burden for keeping Americans safe from cities and counties to the federal government. But now, as concerns about runaway spending take precedence, there’s talk of shifting it back.
And not just talk. More and more, cities and counties are being asked to maintain all the high-tech gadgetry they obtained.
And what have Americans gotten for their money?
[more...]
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- Ventura county District Attorney’s office wages campaign of personal revenge against raw milk farmers; resorts to tactics resembling North Korea
- Feds Buying Up All Surplus Ammo, Ordering Stores To Cease Sales?