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Atlanta Forward: Leadership

Police fire tear gas toward protesters during recent street disturbances in Ferguson, Mo.

Credit: Whitney Curtis/New York Times

Credit: Whitney Curtis/New York Times

Police fire tear gas toward protesters during recent street disturbances in Ferguson, Mo.
By Rick Badie
Aug 27, 2014

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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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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