HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-26-14 Reese-Militarization of the Police departmentFrom:Mary Lee /reese
To:Agenda
Subject:Militarization of the Police department
Date:Friday, September 26, 2014 12:09:24 PM
I am appalled at the language used in the application for the BearCat G3 – “armed & barricaded
suspects, hostage situations, WMD’s,etc” WMD’s, really? Whatever happened to community
policing and training for officers in strategies to diffuse situations? Shouldn’t our officers be working
with mental health experts and other community resources so they can work with difficult situations
before they escalate? Why don’t we have more bike and motorcycle cops policing the downtown for
speeder’s and those who don’t stop for pedestrians? Also, why have a hands free ordinance if it’s
not enforced?
There has been an outcry about alcohol on downtown streets during public events. Those events
should be family friendly, not an opportunity to get drunk and carouse downtown. Really, our
officers should be used to help the community, not turned into a militarized army barricading
themselves from the community.
We all understand that protecting our officers is important, but what about the need to be involved
in the community so we don’t get into situations where officers are hiding behind shields and
barricades.
I also speak from experience. I have a brother-in-law who was a motorcycle cop for 30 years in a
large metropolitan area. He was very people-oriented and could diffuse situations through talking,
not going straight to force. We should be training and rewarding officers who can bring compassion
and sensible solutions to difficult situations.
Sincerely,
Mary Lee Reese
1757 Highland Blvd.
Bozeman, MT 59715