Sign of the times. As America resembles Ferguson, MO more and more, the cops must - at least be better armed.
The Los Angeles Police Department has been heavily militarized for at least two decades. We have battering rams and helicopters flying 24 hours a day.
It’s not surprising. All police recruit heavily from returning military men. At times like this, their maneuvers are straight from military tactics.
You saw the militarization during the capture of the Boston Marathon bombers.
I think it’s natural. Why insist that they are only allowed to use sub-par gear?