The Burlington Police Department says it will no longer participate in a controversial Department of Defense program that allows local police acquire surplus military equipment.
The Pentagon’s 1033 program has been used by the Vermont State Police to acquire 65 military rifles and an 18-ton armored vehicle. Local police departments have used the program to obtain Humvees, shotguns and other equipment.
Burlington police say they had only used the program to obtain two military-issued, night-vision devices.
“The militarization of local police departments is a genuine concern in our nation,” Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo said in a statement.
“There are times when military-style equipment is essential for public safety, but they are very rare. Between our partners in the Vermont State Police and the Vermont National Guard, as well as the other federal and local agencies the Burlington Police Department partners with, we have the resources to handle all but the most inconceivable public safety scenarios. Amassing a worst-case scenario arsenal of military equipment results in officers seeing everyday policework through a military lens. When I realized what a small role the military played in equipping our police, I concluded it was better to return the items and let our 1033 Program memorandum of understanding expire,” the statement from del Pozo said.
BPD does not intend to acquire further tactical or military gear beyond the conventional policing equipment it already has, according to a news release.
Mayor Miro Weinberger applauded del Pozo’s decision in his own statement.
“Today’s announcement cements the Burlington Police Department’s long-standing practice of avoiding the use of military equipment, in contrast to many other police departments,” Weinberger said. “Our focus instead is on the basics of good policing in the 21st century: foot patrols, strong relationships between the officers and the community, and the use of modern tools to increase public transparency and police effectiveness.”
