Brief 2 – Civil Harm

Police Militarization and Civilian Harm

This research brief synthesizes empirical evidence on police militarization in the United States, defined as the acquisition of military-grade equipment, expansion of paramilitary units such as SWAT teams, adoption of dynamic entry tactics, and the embrace of “warrior” policing culture. Drawing on large-scale quantitative studies and quasi-experimental research, the brief finds a consistent association between militarization—particularly through federal programs like the Department of Defense’s 1033 Program—and increased civilian deaths, injuries, and arrests. These harms are concentrated disproportionately in Black and low-income communities, even when controlling for crime rates. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these outcomes, including tactical escalation during high-risk raids, erosion of public trust and police legitimacy, and concentrated enforcement in marginalized neighborhoods. Militarized policing is also linked to broader public health harms, including psychological trauma, chronic stress, and adverse community-wide mental health effects.

Crucially, the brief finds no credible evidence that militarization improves crime control or officer safety; several studies instead suggest it may increase risks for both civilians and officers while undermining community cooperation. Federal drug policy, counterterrorism funding, and asset forfeiture incentives are identified as major institutional drivers of militarization. In response, the brief recommends restricting federal equipment transfers, sharply limiting militarized tactics such as no-knock raids, investing in community-centered safety strategies (including violence interruption and crisis response teams), and strengthening accountability mechanisms such as civilian oversight and comprehensive data reporting. Overall, the evidence supports demilitarization and legitimacy-building approaches as more effective and equitable pathways to public safety than current militarized paradigms.

Download the PDF to read the full brief.