President Obama has ordered the federal government to stop providing certain surplus military vehicles to local law enforcement agencies such as tracked armored vehicles.

Obama is taking the action as part of an effort to reduce tensions between law enforcement agencies and minority communities, he has said. Other items such as explosives and riot equipment will be transferred to police if they provide additional certification and assurances about how the gear will be used.

Other banned equipment includes aircraft, vessels, and vehicles with attached weapons, as well as firearms and ammunition of .50 caliber or higher and grenade launchers.

The recommendations stem from a new report generated by a working committee that Obama set up after the rioting in Ferguson, Mo. Read the full report here.

0 Comments