EDITOR: I am extremely concerned about the behavior demonstrated by police departments across the country this week.
Protestors exercising their first amendment rights have been repeatedly met with violence, excessive force, and inappropriate escalation. This is not confined to a particular department; this is a widespread and pervasive problem.
The militarization of police departments is a big contributor to this problem. These keepers of peace are outfitted with firepower and gear that far exceeds what is necessary for their jobs as protectors of their communities.
I ask President Trump to stop the federal programs that provide surplus military equipment to local police departments.
It is time to heal and unify our nation in these trying times and I believe that taking steps towards the demilitarization of our nation’s police can help do this.
— Robert Stephens, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com