Stuff You Should Know America’s Militarized Police
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Sep 4, 2025 Explore the historical roots of police militarization in America, beginning with the 1800s and escalating during the 1960s amidst social unrest. Discover how Nixon's presidency shaped this evolution, particularly through the War on Drugs and the adoption of aggressive tactics like no-knock warrants. The discussion highlights the troubling normalization of military strategies in domestic law enforcement and examines the growing public concern over these practices in recent years, especially in light of smartphone exposure.
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Militarization Is Gear And Mindset
- Police militarization includes gear and a warrior mindset treating citizens like the enemy.
- This shifts policing from public service to an occupying force that intimidates communities.
Riots Prompted Weapons, Not Reforms
- The 1960s riots triggered major federal programs that supplied military gear to police instead of addressing root causes.
- The Kerner Commission warned against militarizing police but its recommendations were largely ignored.
How LAPD Founded The First SWAT
- Daryl Gates, then an LAPD inspector, created America's first SWAT after 1965 unrest.
- He went to the military for help building a unit that could handle large urban disturbances.
