Militarization of the LPD?

audio post about the Special Tactics and Rescue Team, a division of the Lansing Police Department.

As you listen to the audio, keep in mind that these officers are dressed in military green and camouflage.

A trip to the Lansing Police Department web site reveals the source of the funding for the S.T.A.R.T. team.

"The 1973 Crime Control Act enabled federal funding for police tactical units. The Lansing Police Department applied for and received such a grant, allowing the LPD tactical team to be formed. From the beginning, the team was given the designation as the 'Special Tactics and Rescue Team' (S.T.A.R.T.) The mission of the team is to save lives. Since the teams inception, that mission has never changed. It is accomplished by the application of specialized training, superior logistical support, and team member dedication. City residents, the Department, and team members are proud of the job START does on an ongoing basis. When the citizens of Lansing need help, they call the police. When the police need help, they call START."

That which the federal government funds, the federal government controls.

Regardless of where these officers are trained, you can be certain they are trained in accordance with federal guidelines. Otherwise, the federal money would not be dispersed.

Is this the militarization of a local police department? Is it happening in your community?

• For a transcript of the story, click here.