Police need some riot gear

Obama's plan to reduce the transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement will ease the tensions between police and minorities. No longer will minorities feel like they are oppressed by a force that should be protecting them. No longer will minorities have to live in fear of brutalities that stem from racial discrimination.

I agree that drones and mine resistant vehicles are not needed by most police departments; however, some military gear would be useful in case of emergencies. Riot gear is needed in case of a riot; social unrest is can destroy communities and economies, and if police dressed in riot gear are needed to stop people from destroying cars and burning down businesses, then so be it.

The reduction of military gear given to local police departments could be a great thing. It could lead to greater relationships between police and the communities they serve to protect; however, we must do this with caution. Some equipment may be needed by police officers in case of emergencies, and if taken away, may prevent law enforcement officers from doing their job, which is to protect us.

Pawel Michalski

Mundelein