The Trump administration has just handed local police departments a potentially game-changing windfall in the form of an obscure federal program. The 1122 program, named after Section 1122 of the National Defense Authorization Act, allows local cops to purchase military-grade gear at deeply discounted prices.
Under the Obama administration, the Army served as a purchasing agent for local police through this program, with most agencies buying only a handful of items. However, since taking office, President Trump has revoked an executive order that limited the transfer of such gear to local law enforcement.
Now, thanks to the revocation of that executive order, state and local agencies are set to reap big time from discounted military equipment purchases under this program. The average discount of 20 percent allows them to acquire more advanced surveillance tools and tactical gear than they might have otherwise.
This move has raised serious concerns about how law enforcement is being armed with an increasing arsenal of military-grade tools, which could be used against protesters or in situations that may escalate quickly into violence.
Critics say the program presents a significant threat to free speech and civil liberties. "All these things combined serve as a threat to free speech, an intimidation tactic to protest," said Lillian Mauldin, co-founder of Women for Weapons Trade Transparency.
According to Mauldin's group, their estimates suggest that local police departments have spent tens of millions of dollars on discounted military gear under the 1122 program. However, it is worth noting that without centralized data from the Army, which serves as the program’s "executive agent," these figures may be an undercount.
Mauldin warned that this trend could lead to a chilling effect on civil liberties and free speech in the US, particularly among marginalized communities.
Under the Obama administration, the Army served as a purchasing agent for local police through this program, with most agencies buying only a handful of items. However, since taking office, President Trump has revoked an executive order that limited the transfer of such gear to local law enforcement.
Now, thanks to the revocation of that executive order, state and local agencies are set to reap big time from discounted military equipment purchases under this program. The average discount of 20 percent allows them to acquire more advanced surveillance tools and tactical gear than they might have otherwise.
This move has raised serious concerns about how law enforcement is being armed with an increasing arsenal of military-grade tools, which could be used against protesters or in situations that may escalate quickly into violence.
Critics say the program presents a significant threat to free speech and civil liberties. "All these things combined serve as a threat to free speech, an intimidation tactic to protest," said Lillian Mauldin, co-founder of Women for Weapons Trade Transparency.
According to Mauldin's group, their estimates suggest that local police departments have spent tens of millions of dollars on discounted military gear under the 1122 program. However, it is worth noting that without centralized data from the Army, which serves as the program’s "executive agent," these figures may be an undercount.
Mauldin warned that this trend could lead to a chilling effect on civil liberties and free speech in the US, particularly among marginalized communities.
. It's like, one thing is having advanced surveillance tools, but another thing is giving them to local police departments at discounted prices? It just seems too easy for them to abuse this power. What if they start using these military-grade tools against protesters or minority groups? It feels like a recipe for disaster 
. And the fact that we don't have centralized data on how much money is being spent on this program just makes it even harder to keep track of who's buying what 
. We need some serious oversight here, stat! 
. On one hand, it's awesome that local police departments are getting access to some top-notch gear at discounted prices - who doesn't love a good deal? 
But on the other hand, I think we need to be super cautious about how this stuff is being used. I mean, imagine if these advanced surveillance tools and tactical gear end up in the wrong hands... it's not exactly reassuring 
. I think we need to have an open and honest conversation about what kind of police gear is being handed out and who it's going to end up in the hands of. Can't just assume everything will be fine, you know? 
? And all these protests and marches... it's like, we gotta be careful, 'cause you never know who might show up with a rocket launcher 
. I just hope someone's keepin' an eye on this, 'fore things get outta hand 
? On a more serious note, this program raises major concerns about how police are using this gear and whether it's being used to disperse protests peacefully or intimidate marginalized communities 
. We need to keep an eye on this one 
We need more transparency and accountability on this issue, not less. And yeah, let's be real, marginalized communities are already facing way too many barriers. The last thing they need is some heavy artillery coming their way. 
. I'm not saying it's a good idea, but let's not freak out just yet 
. Can't we just focus on keeping our communities safe without all this militarization? 
I mean, what's next? Buying tanks for our local police departments? 
. And don't even get me started on the intimidation factor – it's like, can you imagine being caught on camera with one of those fancy scopes and getting swooped up by the cops? No thanks, not cool 
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can u believe this?! they're literally arming our cops with military-grade gear like it's no big deal!!! i'm super worried about this 1122 program, like seriously what's next? they're already talking about free speech and civil liberties being threatened... we need to keep a close eye on this, it's getting out of hand 
I'm all for keeping our communities safe, but not at the cost of our freedom 
The more I read about this program, the more I think we need to be super careful about who's buying into this 
