President Barack Obama just proposed new funding for police officers across the nation to be equipped with cameras. The President said that there is a “simmering distrust” between members of communities throughout the United States, that extends well beyond the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.
“This is not a problem just of Ferguson, Missouri. This is a national problem,” the President said.
Obama has asked for $263 million for police body cameras along with associated training. The proposal still requires congressional approval, which may or may not come. It would provide for a three year disbursement of $75 million, matching state funding by 50 percent. In total, 50,000 devices will be ordered if this proposal is approved.
Perhaps even more surprising than this announcement was a revision by the White House, in an existing program that transfers military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The President pledged “better oversight,” as well as “transparency and training” which he says will ensure that the equipment is used “properly.” He said he shares the concerns of a growing number of Americans that the nation is building a “militarized culture” in police departments all over the country.
The President said that to move forward with these plans, a new task force will be needed, led by… You guessed it: another cop.
Obama suggested that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey and former Office of Justice Programs AG Laurie Robinson will help move police departments all over the nation towards “21st century policing.” This is, of course, just another example of police policing police.
Obama said that he realizes previously assembled task forces were ineffective, but “this time,” he said, things “will be different because the president of the United States is deeply vested in making it different.”
What do you think? Will things be “different” this time? Or is this just going to be more of the same?