Militarization of police refers to the use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement officers. This includes the use of armored vehicles, assault rifles, flashbang grenades, sniper rifles, and SWAT teams. Proponents argue that this equipment increases officers’ safety and enables them to better protect the public and other first responders. Opponents argue that police forces which received military equipment were more likely to have violent encounters with the public.
Response rates from 84.7k Australia voters.
43% Yes |
57% No |
29% Yes |
51% No |
8% Yes, but only in response to extreme situations |
6% No, extreme situations should be handled by higher agencies with specialized training and equipment |
6% Yes, but with strict training on how and when to use the equipment |
0% No, and abolish the police |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 84.7k Australia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 84.7k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@B57NYYH2mos2MO
Yes; special police departments should be trained and retain authority to use military grade equipment, and tactics, however, their implementation must be confined to use, only, in situations that reach the extreme threshold for such a response, with strict compliance and review measures in place, to ensure that this power is not abused.
@B55RW622mos2MO
Yes in extreme cases and with higher grade training such as military training in those items for select few
@B4FZPTW3mos3MO
If a country's citizens are disarmed and require ridiculous licences then police shouldn't need guns at all.
@B4BR4LH3mos3MO
Yes, but with when and how to use the equipment, and with harsh punitive measures to impact egregious use of items or actions permitted.
@B3RGH4V4mos4MO
Whilst I do not believe (wholly) in the idea of what the current police force system is and what is has or had allowed for, I do believe that, considering these institutions will continue to be prevalent within the current system, that at the very least, they should be given training in general, alongside training on how to handle equipment of high lethality.
@B3KLM674mos4MO
if they are trained and have the skill to handle it appropriately, then yes, if not only higher ranked officers should be able to use military grade equipment.
@B2D76CP6mos6MO
Only in extreme situations and in high crime areas. Specialised police units should also be stationed/ deployed in high crime areas
@9T6W4G610mos10MO
Yes, but only in response to extreme situation, and with extensive and strict training on how and when to use the equipment
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