Introduction
A helmeted, heavily armed police officer stands watch during demonstrations in Ferguson, Mo., some violent, after the deadly shooting on Aug. 9 of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, by a white officer. The massive response to the demonstrations by officers in armored vehicles and military-style garb raised concerns about law enforcement tactics and what some see as the militarization of police. (AFP/Getty Images/Michael B. Thomas)
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The killing in August of an unarmed, black 18-year-old by police in Ferguson, Mo., has intensified a long-simmering debate over how police do their jobs. The shooting of Michael Brown by white officer Darren Wilson has led to angry and sometimes violent protests, initially heightened when police in military-style gear and armored vehicles responded to the unrest. The tactics highlighted what some criticize as the “militarization” of America's police forces, fueled by a Pentagon program that supplies local police with surplus weapons and vehicles. Others say police overuse SWAT teams to serve warrants and enforce drug laws. The Ferguson shooting and other recent high-profile police killings of unarmed African-Americans also has ignited a national outcry against what many say is disproportionate police action against black males. Police respond that low-income communities of all races have the highest crime rates and that they need military-style equipment to defend themselves in a heavily armed society.
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Apr. 19, 2018 |
Crime and Policing |
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May 22, 2017 |
Crime and Policing |
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Apr. 21, 2017 |
High-Tech Policing |
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Sep. 16, 2016 |
Jailing Debtors |
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Jun. 07, 2016 |
Crime and Police Conduct |
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Dec. 12, 2014 |
Police Tactics |
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Apr. 06, 2012 |
Police Misconduct |
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Oct. 14, 2011 |
Eyewitness Testimony |
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May 06, 2011 |
Business Ethics |
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Mar. 17, 2000 |
Policing the Police |
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Nov. 24, 1995 |
Police Corruption |
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Sep. 06, 1991 |
Police Brutality |
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Apr. 19, 1974 |
Police Innovation |
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Sep. 02, 1966 |
Police Reforms |
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Jan. 12, 1954 |
Federal Police Activity |
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Apr. 01, 1932 |
Proposed Expansions of Federal Police Activity |
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