Local law enforcement say President Barack Obama’s ban on some federally supplied military equipment may cause them to rethink how they operate, but overall they say they are in support.
Monday, President Obama ordered a ban on some federally provided types of military equipment to local police departments.
The ban includes grenade launchers, high-caliber weapons, riot-control gear, and armored vehicles that move on tracks.
Lieutenant Raul Denis with the Horry County Police Department says the department understands people are sensitive to the idea of a militarized police force.
“We’re not trying to get militarized in any way, shape, or form,” he says.
Lt. Denis says the department has no equipment on the banned list.
However, in January the department acquired an armored truck that is on the controlled equipment list.
“We also understand that it’s a big, scary truck and we need to be sensitive to how the community perceives that truck,” said Lt. Denis.
A ‘scary truck’ intended only as a rescue vehicle, however there are times like last year’s Bikefest when police say prohibited equipment is needed.
Even with the ban, Lt. Denis says they law enforcement can still do their job.
The ban does not stop police using equipment they already have; nor does it stop them from buying the items from private sellers.
