President Obama has unveiled an executive order restricting the federal provision of military equipment to local police departments. The new measure bars police from receiving weaponized aircraft, grenade launchers and armored vehicles which run on tracked wheels. But departments can still obtain gear like riot shields and tank-like mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles, or MRAPs, if they give additional justification. Speaking in Camden, New Jersey, Obama said the rules would rebuild trust between communities and police.

President Obama: “Today, we’re also releasing new policies on the military-style equipment that the federal government has in the past provided to state and local law enforcement agencies. You know, we’ve seen how militarized gear can sometimes give people the feeling like there’s an occupying force as opposed to a force that’s part of the community that’s protecting them and serving them, can alienate and intimidate local residents and send the wrong message. So we’re going to prohibit some equipment made for the battlefield that is not appropriate for local police departments.”