Letter to the editor - Essay Example

Letter to the Editor It is interesting to how different police departments are arming themselves preparing for an unknown event. The article also indicates variations in acquiring arms by police departments across different states. As a residence of the New York City, I believe that the efforts undertaken by the different police departments are unnecessary.The calibre of arms and ammunition been acquired by the police department is also unrealistic considering that the police officers deals with unarmed citizens.

Moving with heavy weapons across the streets not only intimidates the public, but it will also contribute to crime. Although police officers require sophisticated weapons and equipment there should be a limit on the type of arms that police officers should carry. The main reason why the country has both the police and the army is that the two forces have different responsibilities and training. Soldiers are trained to defend the country by eliminating the enemy through all possible means (Franceschi-Bicchierai web).

On the other hand, police officers are expected to maintain law and order through sustainable public relations. The differences in duties of police and military officers indicate that the two officials require different equipments. Acquisition of military equipments indicates that police officers have neglected their duties or the police departments have misplaced priorities.Fighting crime is a significant duty of the police officers. However, the role prevents the police officers from concentrating on other duties that are critical to the public.

For instance, a police officer is expected to ensure that people conduct their businesses without hindrance. Acquisition of heavy weapons indicates that police officers are more concerned with criminals than with the citizens. I think that the police departments would have considered acquiring more ambulances and fire fighting equipment instead of the military equipment. Through the acquisition of such equipments, the police department would show that its operations are of public interest.The other aspect demonstrated by the move, is the level of crime within different cities across the United States.

In the last decade, crime level increased by 10% across major US cities. Armed robbery and drug trafficking are among the common crimes. According to the criminologist theorists, criminals respond according to the authority. This indicates that the move taken by police departments would have a similar response from the criminals. Criminals are likely to acquire weapons that are more sophisticated in order to counter the efforts of the police. The public will therefore be vulnerable to such weapons.

In addition, the citizens are also vulnerable to any confrontation that may arise between the police and armed criminals. Finally, the cost of acquiring and maintaining the military hardware is outrageous. Maintaining the police choppers and amphibious tanks will overload the taxpayers. Moreover, the equipment are of minimal use to the ordinary taxpayers. The extreme costs that the taxpayers have to pay for the maintenance of police equipment do not add value to their life. I believe that the police departments need to consider the opportunity cost and return on the investment when making additional purchases.

Works CitedFranceschi-Bicchierai, Lorenzo. Small-Town Cops Pile Up on Useless Military Gear. Rutherford. 2012. Web 02, July 2012 .