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News & Commentary about Police Militarization

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The ACLU works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
Demonstrators, (holding various signs, with the most prominent reading "WE ALL SAW THAT MOVIE ... NO KILLER ROBOTS") protest the use of robots by the San Francisco Police Department outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022.

Dec 16, 2022

It’s Simply Too Dangerous to Arm Robots

It’s Simply Too Dangerous to Arm Robots
Police in riot gear stand outside the Kenosha County Court House

Nov 19, 2021

Kyle Rittenhouse Didn’t Act Alone: Law Enforcement Must Be Held Accountable

Kyle Rittenhouse Didn’t Act Alone: Law Enforcement Must Be Held Accountable
Protesters hold a banner calling for investment in communities, not the police

Sep 7, 2021

10 Things to Know about Combating Violence in America

10 Things to Know about Combating Violence in America
Police use a water cannon to drench opponents of the Dakota Access oil pipeline during a standoff in freezing temperatures on Backwater Bridge near the pipeline route on November 20, 2016. Cannon Ball, North Dakota

May 12, 2021

It’s Past Time to End the Federal Militarization of Police

It’s Past Time to End the Federal Militarization of Police
A law enforcement officer watches from an armored vehicle after a device was fired to disperse a crowd during a protest.

May 12, 2021

Federal Militarization of Law Enforcement Must End

Federal Militarization of Law Enforcement Must End
Police in riot gear shouts in black protestor's face as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd near the White House

Feb 2, 2021

How Do We End Racism in Policing?

How Do We End Racism in Policing?
Militarized federal agents deployed by the president to Portland, fire tear gas against protesters

Jul 29, 2020

Communities Deserve Better Than Bayonets and Grenade Launchers: The Defense 1033 Program Must End Now

Communities Deserve Better Than Bayonets and Grenade Launchers: The Defense 1033 Program Must End Now
Black Lives Matter Protestors run as tear gas is dispensed into the crowd.

Jun 23, 2020

"All Hell Broke Loose."

"All Hell Broke Loose."
Police force stands guard in riot gear in front of Hall of Justice in Los Angeles.

Jun 12, 2020

Congress Can Lead the Charge on Divesting From Law Enforcement

Congress Can Lead the Charge on Divesting From Law Enforcement
Protestors march down Pennsylvania Avenue holding signs that read “Defund the Police” and “Stop Police Brutality” among other signs.

Jun 11, 2020

Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer

Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer