Police Demilitarization

Police Demilitarization

For several decades local and state police agencies have received billions of dollars worth of military-grade equipment, often for free, from federal programs. This militarized weaponry is frequently used in everyday policing tactics. It is important that states not only stop the flow of these militarized weapons and armored vehicles but also return those already received.

last updated: November 2021

1 State

Banned Most military weapons 

6 States

some limitations on military equipment

43 States

no limitations on military equipment

Recent Legislation

2021

Washington

  • Banned all types of military equipment
  • Required police agencies to return or destroy any equipment they already acquired

Illinois

  • Banned law enforcement from acquiring some types of military equipment going forward

Oregon

  • Banned law enforcement from acquiring some types of military equipment going forward

Policy Momentum