President Obama's Call To Limit Military Equipment For Police Departments Draws Criticism

SACRAMENTO (CBS13/AP) — President Barack Obama's call to limit military-style equipment for police across the country has already prompted California legislation and law-enforcement advocates railing against it.

David Mastagni, a seasoned lawyer representing officers in civil cases for decades, says the executive order banning the federal government from providing certain military-style equipment to local police is careless.

"Obama's dead wrong," he said. "Its going to decrease public safety, put the public at risk."

The ban includes armored vehicles, high-caliber firearms and camouflage uniforms to name a few. Mastagni believes the president's ban will jeopardize the safety of men and women in law enforcement.

The president's decision is fueled by his attempt to ease tensions between law enforcement and minority communities in Baltimore, Ferguson, Missouri, and other cities.

"We've seen how militarized gear can sometimes people a feeling like there's an occupying force opposed to a force that's part of the community that's protecting them and serving them," Obama said.

Meanwhile, a bill approved in the state assembly would require California communities to hold public hearings before their police departments accept military equipment such as tanks and grenade launchers.

Supporters of Assembly Bill 36 supporters say public hearings will reduce tensions between communities and the police. Opponents say it may hurt agencies' ability to receive items such as handcuffs and search-and-rescue helicopters.

Democratic Assemblywoman Nora Campos of San Jose says she'll amend her bill to limit it to tanks and large equipment.