ABSTRACT
The information gleaned from survey responses provided a broad overview of the issue of police militarization, but this chapter explored more deeply the topic by interviewing police chiefs from several agencies across the country. The chiefs are considered relatively progressive, and in some cases they are seen as “change agents.” Eleven police chiefs were interviewed, and several themes emerged revolving around the issue of police militarization, including the role of the media in driving an inaccurate narrative, how appearance drives perception, and the need for leadership and accountability when discussing issues of militarization. The chiefs also believed that federalism, which results in many smaller police agencies, plays a role in the notion that policing is too militarized.
