Police Militarization Raises Eyebrows in Congress

Lawmakers are probing a government program that gives military-grade equipment to police departments across the nation.

A Senate hearing called into question why local authorities need armored vehicles, automatic weapons, and camouflage uniforms to police their communities.

All this comes in the wake of the violent confrontations between police and protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, after an unarmed black man was shot and killed by police.

Sen. Clair McCaskill, D-Mo., said the police's military-style response caused alarm.

"I think most Americans were uncomfortable watching a suburban street in St. Louis being transformed with vivid images, powerful images, across this country into a war zone complete with camouflage, tear gas, rubber bullets, armored vehicle, and laser sights on assault weapons," McCaskill said.

More than $5.1 billion worth of military equipment has been distributed to local police since the Pentagon authorized the program in 1990.

It's intended to help cities and towns fight the drug war and respond to terrorist attacks.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said police departments are increasingly using the sophisticated, intimidating equipment for crowd control.

McCaskill said such equipment is unnecessary and a threat to freedom of speech and assembly.