The Pentagon has been criticized for “militarizing” local police departments by handing out surplus equipment. Now it turns out that some local public school police forces are getting equipment, too. School Police Chief Steve Zimmerman says he’ll give back the grenade launchers—but he wants to hang on to the 14-ton armored vehicle.Do schools need surplus military equipment to keep order on campus? Niraj Chokshi is reporting the story for the Washington Post.
A coalition of civil rights groups and others focused on juvenile issues has formally asked the Pentagon to “end the transfer of military weapons to local school districts and police departments for use in K-12 public schools.” Janel George represents the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.