source: www.detroitnews.com
By Sadie Gurman, Associated Press

Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county sheriff’s offices returned military surplus vehicles last year after President Barack Obama’s administration ordered their return when citizens balked at police agencies taking on a military look with armored, tracked vehicles. The local departments used the vehicles in barricaded gunmen and hostage situations.

The returns were sparked after incidents in Ferguson, Missouri, involving standoffs between citizens and police. Equipment recalled by the Obama administration included tracked armored vehicles, grenade launchers, bayonet knives and armed aircraft.

Obama issued an executive order in 2015 that curtailed the program after public outrage over the use of the gear when police confronted protesters in Ferguson following the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Police responded in riot gear and deployed tear gas, dogs and armored vehicles. At times they also pointed assault rifles at protesters.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could outline the changes by the Trump administration during a speech Monday to the national conference of the Fraternal Order of Police in Nashville, Tennessee, a person familiar with the matter said. The person insisted on anonymity to discuss the plan ahead of an official announcement.

The recall lat year sparked angry responses from many in and outside law enforcement, including Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, the county’s former sheriff, who stressed such vehicles could be life-savers for first responders involved in many situations.

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