Armored vehicles. Sniper rifles. Combat gear. Such military-style equipment was mobilized to quell unrest in Ferguson, Mo., and, in the process, fueled debate about what some call the militarization of law enforcement agencies nationwide. Today, a Georgia congressman writes about the need to curb and audit free military surplus police obtain via the federal government, while a law enforcement advocate says the equipment is necessary to serve and protect.

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Known as a dogged investigator, Ashleigh Merchant made a name for herself in Cobb County’s tight-knit legal community by taking big swings. (Natrice Miller/AJC)