I don’t think ANY civilian police force should be equipped with battle rifles. They are not going into battle or facing opponents of rifle range. The police claim no “civilian’ needs such a rifle and the police don’t face different criminals than we do, so why should they be armed any different?
I agree. And if there is one thing that history teaches, it’s that an occupying military force will breed resentment and then resistance.
Of course, Obama is probably counting on that. But it might not turn out according to his expectations.