CONGRESSMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Maryland’s 8th District
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2015
CONTACT: Bridgett Frey – 202-225-5384
Ian Jannetta – 202-225-1527
Van Hollen Statement on President Obama’s Action to Limit Militarization of Local Police Forces
Washington, DC – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to limit the transfer of military-style equipment to local police forces:
“President Obama’s decision to limit military-style equipment for local police forces is a productive step toward community oriented policing. We must address the fear and distrust of law enforcement that exists in too many of our communities. Weapons like grenade launchers and armed drones fuel this fear and are simply not appropriate law enforcement tools, which is why I’m an original cosponsor of the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act in Congress and will continue to push for its passage. We must also address the systemic problem of chronic poverty with new urgency and start dealing with drug abuse as more of a health issue than a criminal justice matter – interconnected issues that are critical to economic mobility, prosperity, and peace in our communities.”