The best counter argument to the Yes position on Demilitarize the Police is that it could make police officers less safe and less effective at doing their jobs. Police officers need to be able to protect themselves and the public from dangerous individuals and situations. Military-grade equipment, such as armored vehicles and assault rifles, can help police officers do this safely and effectively. Additionally, police officers often need to de-escalate situations that could turn violent. Military-grade equipment can give police officers the tools they need to do this without using deadly force.

Police officers need to be able to protect themselves from dangerous individuals and situations. Military-grade equipment can help police officers do this safely and effectively. For example, armored vehicles can protect police officers from gunfire and other projectiles during active shooter situations. Assault rifles can give police officers the firepower they need to neutralize dangerous individuals without putting themselves or the public at risk.
Police officers often need to de-escalate situations that could turn violent. Military-grade equipment can give police officers the tools they need to do this without using deadly force. For example, flashbang grenades can be used to disorient and confuse suspects, giving police officers the time they need to gain control of a situation. Beanbag shotguns and tasers can be used to subdue suspects without causing serious injury.
Demilitarizing the police could make it more difficult for them to respond to major threats, such as terrorist attacks. Military-grade equipment can help police officers respond to these threats quickly and effectively. For example, armored vehicles can be used to transport police officers to the scene of an attack and protect them from gunfire. Assault rifles can give police officers the firepower they need to neutralize terrorists.