President Barack Obama has ordered a review of programs that clear the way for state and local police to purchase military equipment, CNN reported, citing a senior administration official.
The review follows criticism of the use of force by police during protests in Ferguson, Missouri, over the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown earlier this month.
The review, CNN said, will focus on:
- Whether such programs and funding are appropriate;
- Whether state and local enforcement agencies have the necessary training and guidance after getting such equipment;
- Whether the federal government is sufficiently auditing the use of equipment obtained through federal programs and funding.
CNN, citing the official, reported that White House staff — including members of the Domestic Policy Council, the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget — will lead the review in coordination with Congress.
The following clip accompanied the CNN story: