De-Militarize the Police

Following our recent questionnaire to candidates for Vermont state office, Veterans For Peace is now asking Vermont residents to discuss the importance of police demilitarization - nationwide and here in Vermont. We have the opportunity set a powerful example by saying no to arming the police with military grade equipment. Our intent is to foster an open, statewide conversation about police militarization. Moreover, it is our overt goal to de-militarize the police which is contrary to any free society and is likely in violation of Articles 16 and 17 of the Vermont State Constitution - which speak of the dangers of standing armies (militarized police) and restrict the right of the state to impose martial law. Article 5 of the Vermont State Constitution clearly states:

"That the people of this state by their legal representatives, have the sole, inherent, and exclusive right of governing and regulating the internal police of the same."

Steps to take for Vermont Residents:

Become informed: resources available on the right and below.
Contact your state representatives and urge them to address this topic during the upcoming legislative session.
You can also sign a Nationwide Petition calling for the end of the Department of Defense's Program 1033 .

Additional VFP Resources:

Letter with Petition and Supporting Documents to the Vermont Legislature "On the need to De-Militarize State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies in Vermont. (click for PDF)

This packet was submitted the to Vermont Legislative committee on March 12th in support of H.8 which is a bill being considered which would be an important first step in halting the militarization of Vermont law enforcement agencies by adding an element of oversight. It includes a copy our letter, petition signatures, and supporting documents including the executive summary of the ACLU report War Comes Home on the impacts of police militarization and the Seven Days article by Mark Davis which highlights the weapons and equipment acquired by Vermont agencies thus far.

Letter to the Editor re Police Militarization: Oct 6, 2014

According to information compiled and mapped by the New York Times, police departments of all counties in Vermont but one have received surplus military equipment. Washington County has received the most, which includes 80 assault rifles, 5 pistols, 2 shotguns and a mine resistant vehicle. (more)

Correspondence with Gov Shumlin re. police de-militarization

Dear Governor Shumlin,

I am a veteran of the Vietnam war and a member of Veterans for Peace. In 1986 I was aboard a hospital ship as a member of the crew and saw at first-hand the outcomes of war.

I am appalled that weapons of war are now a frequent sight on our television screens. Ferguson, Missouri has become an example of what can go wrong when these weapons are used to confront public demonstrations. (more)

Candidate survey responses to questionnaire regarding police de-militarization

If you are elected to the legislature, would you introduce a bill to prevent Vermont agencies from acquiring military equipment (e.g., high caliber automatic weapons, armored vehicles, drones, aircraft, stun grenades, and silencers) from the Department of Defense? (more)