Oklahoma law enforcement receives military-grade equipment

Photo by Abby Bellow

With more than $33 million worth of military surplus equipment at the disposal of Oklahoma law enforcement, some Oklahomans are questioning if local municipalities need the hardware.

According to a NewsOK article, Oklahoma agencies have received military surplus equipment in the form of an airplane, 11 helicopters, more than 30 mine-resistant vehicles, 1,027 rifles and 227 pistols along with other equipment such as generators, clothing and rifle scopes under the National Defense Authorization Act.

Chief Russell Frantz of the Shawnee Police Department, which acquired one of the 30 mine-resistant vehicles, told the Oklahoman that the vehicle could prove to be useful, giving Shawnee another tool in their toolbox.

“You don’t always use a hammer,” Frantz said to . “You don’t always use a screw driver. But when you need a certain tool, you sure wish you had it in your toolbox.”

Not all Oklahomans agree with Frantz’s stance. Senior Lizzie Rojas from Oklahoma City doesn’t think these types of vehicles and weapons should be in a local police force’s toolbox at all.

“Not only is it a waste of money, it’s also just very concerning,” Rojas said. “Why do they think they need these things?”

Oklahoma County sheriff John Whestel expressed his concerns to the Oklahoman that the media portrayal of the militarized response from police in Ferguson, Missouri could lead to an inflamed public view of local police. He also explains that during a 2012 snowstorm, Humvees were used to rescue people who were stranded.

Whether or not Ferguson is the cause of public disapproval, many Oklahomans still remain skeptical.

Senior Jerisha Fields from Norman says she can understand Weshtel’s support for the vehicles, but still remains apprehensive.

“[Oklahoma] is a hot spot for natural disasters such as tornadoes, so I understand where he is coming form,” Fields said. “But I’m not sure that a tank is really necessary.”

Amongst the supporters of law enforcement’s ownership of the equipment is Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth, who has said he’s recently had to call the Oklahoma Highway Patrol three times to borrow their armored vehicles during stand-off situations and doesn’t see the use of the equipment as militarization.

“It’s not the militarization of law enforcement,” Booth told the Oklahoman. “It’s law enforcement getting equipment to better be able to do our jobs.”

Fields said she somewhat disagrees with Booth’s position but admits that, if used correctly, in certain instances the military equipment could be helpful.

“Law enforcement shouldn’t need extra tools or assets like these to help with their jobs, but in a case like this, it has proven to be beneficial,” Fields said.

Anthony Gibbs, a police department official in Guthrie, made a motion to point out that the armored vehicles that seem to be the main source of apprehension amongst citizens are strictly defensive.

“It’s a completely defensive vehicle, meaning that it protects the occupants,” Gibbs said to The Oklahoman. “It doesn’t have any weapons mounted to it. It’s completely for defending people on the inside, keeping them safe.”

Despite local law enforcer’s defensive arguments in favor of the possession, it appears as though it will take time for much of the public to assimilate to the idea of local law enforcement having military equipment.

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