Obama Calls for Review of Police Gear

Amid the uproar in Ferguson, President Obama is addressing concerns over military-grade equipment's availability to local police, officials tell the New York Times and CNN. Obama has ordered a review of policies surrounding the gear's use, questioning whether police are properly trained to use it as well as whether it's necessary at all, CNN notes. The review will be led by the administration with input from Congress.

Police received the equipment for counterterror purposes, but "displays of force in response to mostly peaceful demonstrations can be counterproductive," attorney general Eric Holder said in a statement today, per the New York Times. "It makes sense to take a look at whether military-style equipment is being acquired for the right purposes and whether there is proper training on when and how to deploy it." (More President Obama stories.)