Under the Trump administration, a lesser-known federal program has been quietly disbursing tens of millions of dollars worth of discounted military gear to local police departments across the US. This program, known as the 1122 program, operates under Section 1122 of the National Defense Authorization Act, which allows the Department of Defense to serve as a purchasing agent for local law enforcement agencies.
The 1122 program has been shrouded in secrecy until now, with many purchases remaining unreported or classified. According to Women for Weapons Trade Transparency, a nonprofit group that investigated the program, state and local police have spent an estimated $127 million on military gear since its inception in 1994. This estimate is likely an undercount, as the organization's efforts to obtain information from the Department of Defense were met with resistance.
The scope of the 1122 program's reach is alarming. Local police departments have used the program to acquire a range of military-grade equipment, including armored vehicles like the Lenco BearCat, which is capable of transporting officers in a tank-like vehicle. Other purchases include thermal imaging systems, surveillance software, and even riot gear.
Critics argue that the proliferation of this type of equipment among local police departments poses a significant threat to public safety and free speech. The use of such gear can be seen as an intimidation tactic, particularly against marginalized communities and protesters. As one critic noted, "All of these things combined serve as a threat to free speech, an intimidation tactic to protest."
The 1122 program's lack of transparency has raised concerns about the program's true intentions and potential misuse. Unlike other programs, such as the 1033 program, which provides surplus military gear to local police departments, the 1122 program operates under a different set of regulations. This allows the Department of Defense to serve as a purchasing agent for local agencies without much oversight.
The Trump administration's recent decision to revoke an executive order issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, aimed at limiting the transfer of aggressive military gear to local police departments has only widened the concern. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the 1122 program is a worrying development, particularly in light of growing authoritarian tendencies within the government.
As one expert noted, "The 1033 program has gotten much more news coverage, much more public scrutiny, and that did lead to certain reforms." In contrast, the 1122 program remains shrouded in secrecy. The lack of data on this program is a concern, as it suggests that local police departments may be acquiring military-grade equipment without proper oversight or accountability.
The implications of the 1122 program are far-reaching. It represents a disturbing trend towards militarization of local law enforcement agencies and raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and free speech. As one critic noted, "It is concerning to think that our police departments have increasingly more access to this type of military-style gear to facilitate these raids and arrests." The future of public safety and democracy hangs in the balance as this program continues to grow under the Trump administration's watchful eye.
The 1122 program has been shrouded in secrecy until now, with many purchases remaining unreported or classified. According to Women for Weapons Trade Transparency, a nonprofit group that investigated the program, state and local police have spent an estimated $127 million on military gear since its inception in 1994. This estimate is likely an undercount, as the organization's efforts to obtain information from the Department of Defense were met with resistance.
The scope of the 1122 program's reach is alarming. Local police departments have used the program to acquire a range of military-grade equipment, including armored vehicles like the Lenco BearCat, which is capable of transporting officers in a tank-like vehicle. Other purchases include thermal imaging systems, surveillance software, and even riot gear.
Critics argue that the proliferation of this type of equipment among local police departments poses a significant threat to public safety and free speech. The use of such gear can be seen as an intimidation tactic, particularly against marginalized communities and protesters. As one critic noted, "All of these things combined serve as a threat to free speech, an intimidation tactic to protest."
The 1122 program's lack of transparency has raised concerns about the program's true intentions and potential misuse. Unlike other programs, such as the 1033 program, which provides surplus military gear to local police departments, the 1122 program operates under a different set of regulations. This allows the Department of Defense to serve as a purchasing agent for local agencies without much oversight.
The Trump administration's recent decision to revoke an executive order issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, aimed at limiting the transfer of aggressive military gear to local police departments has only widened the concern. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the 1122 program is a worrying development, particularly in light of growing authoritarian tendencies within the government.
As one expert noted, "The 1033 program has gotten much more news coverage, much more public scrutiny, and that did lead to certain reforms." In contrast, the 1122 program remains shrouded in secrecy. The lack of data on this program is a concern, as it suggests that local police departments may be acquiring military-grade equipment without proper oversight or accountability.
The implications of the 1122 program are far-reaching. It represents a disturbing trend towards militarization of local law enforcement agencies and raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and free speech. As one critic noted, "It is concerning to think that our police departments have increasingly more access to this type of military-style gear to facilitate these raids and arrests." The future of public safety and democracy hangs in the balance as this program continues to grow under the Trump administration's watchful eye.
, its like they're trying to hide something, and now that trump is out, i hope joe biden reinstates the executive order or whatever, because this whole thing reeks of a cover up 
, what's really going on here? are these police departments just using this stuff as an excuse to crack down on protesters or is it something more sinister? and what about all the money being spent on this gear, like $127 million? where does that even go? 
. It seems like local police departments are getting all sorts of military gear without anyone really knowing where it came from or how much money is being spent. Like, $127 million is a huge amount of money! And what's with the armored vehicles and thermal imaging systems? Sounds super intimidating 
. I'm also not sure why this program is still shrouded in secrecy - shouldn't we know what our police departments are using to keep us safe? 
This whole thing is super suspicious 
. And to think that the program has been shrouded in secrecy since its inception in 1994 is just mind-blowing 
. It's no wonder people are crying foul about this program - it does smell like an intimidation tactic, especially against marginalized communities 
. If local police departments have access to military-grade equipment without proper accountability, what's next? A full-blown police state? 
It's not just about public safety; it's about protecting our rights as citizens 
. We need more transparency and oversight into programs like this, or else we risk losing the very freedoms we're trying to protect 
.
. The lack of data on 1122 is a red flag 
, and it raises questions about whether local police departments are acquiring this equipment without proper oversight or accountability 
. We need answers, and we need them now 
.
. whats next, will they be getting tanks too? 
, I'm so tired of all these secret programs that the government just slips under the radar. It's like they think we're not smart enough to figure out what's going on. The 1122 program is a total mystery, and it's insane that local police departments are getting tens of millions of dollars' worth of military gear without any transparency or accountability. 
I get that public safety is important, but at what cost? The free speech and civil liberties of our citizens are already being eroded as it is; we don't need the police getting equipped with military-grade gear to further restrict them.
. The lack of transparency is crazy – it's like they're hiding something from us. And what's the point of all this gear if not to intimidate and control people, right? 
