As a member of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good's Transformative Justice (TJ) Task Force, I have worked with other members to oppose the militarization of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell's law enforcement operations, and in particular the sheriff's planned acquisition of a military vehicle.
The TJ Task Force believes that law enforcement works best when it acts respectfully toward the community it serves. The plain purpose of a military vehicle, however, is to intimidate individuals and the public at large. The task force agrees with the majority of Americans on this issue, who responded to a recent poll by saying that militarization of community law enforcement has gone too far. Even though the sheriff says he wouldn't use the vehicle against peaceful protestors, I've participated in political rallies, and the prospect of encountering a tank-like vehicle is frightening.