The events in Ferguson, Missouri, spotlight a long-standing issue. Across the country, police departments have tapped into Department of Defense grants to snag surplus military gear. **Alabama agencies** alone have reaped over **$115 million** worth of equipment from 2006 until now, making them second in the entire 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.