[philman_36]

Oakland police monitor: Federal oversight heading to final stage 03/06/2015

In a sign that Oakland's 13-year court-mandated police reform drive might soon be winding down, the city's court-appointed police monitor plans to change his focus to ensuring that the police department doesn't backtrack on reforms.

[philman_36]

Review: Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition December 2014
Particularly in the years since September 11, 2001, Congress and the Executive Branch have steadily increased spending and support for these programs, in light of legitimate concerns about the growing threat of terrorism, shrinking local budgets, and the relative ease with which some criminals are able to obtain high-powered weapons.
Snip...The bulk of the equipment transferred from federal sources to LEAs is fairly routine— office furniture, computers and other technological equipment, personal protective equipment and basic firearms. But federal agencies also transfer, or fund the purchase of, military equipment, including high powered weapons and tactical vehicles.