The happenings in Ferguson, Missouri, shed light on an age-old problem. All over the nation, police outfits have taken advantage of Department of Defense grants to grab extra military equipment. Alabama groups have scooped up more than $115 million in gear from 2006 to today, placing them second overall in the country.
These departments scored **11 MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles)**, **18 helicopters**, a **cargo plane**, and **9 grenade launchers**. Earlier this year, Alabama’s participation in this program got nixed due to **shoddy record-keeping**. The Defense Logistics Agency flagged Alabama for failing to properly document received gear, mishandling policy procedures, and not keeping track of gear assignments.
Alabama officials are now hustling to clear up these issues, insisting there’s been no lost or misused equipment. They claim the gear is mostly untouched, just waiting for emergencies.