News roundup: Militarization of local law enforcement

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The militarization of local law enforcement. Charges dropped against businessman Koerber. Swallow's name pops up in fundraiser's trial.

Happy Friday. As Americans witness the heavily armed police response to protests in Ferguson, Mo., a new report shows just how much the United States military has contributed to the firepower for local law enforcement agencies. More than $4.3 billion in equipment has been sent to local police since the start of a military program in 1997, and last year alone, the military gave nearly half a billion dollars worth of equipment, from office supplies to pick-ups and ATVs to grenade launchers and tactical vehicles. [WaPost]

-> Utah police agencies have taken advantage, too. The Trib's Nate Carlisle reported earlier this year about the $2.8 million in equipment local law officers have received. [Trib]

Topping the news: All charges have been dropped against former Utah County businessman Rick Koerber, who was accused of swindled investors out of $48 million through his real estate investment company. [Trib][DNews]

-> Former Attorney General John Swallow was mentioned at a federal court hearing for Robert Montgomery, who hosted a fundraiser for Swallow's campaign in 2012. [Trib][DNews]

-> The Bureau of Land Management is looking for vandals responsible for defacing rocks near ancient Native American petroglyphs and has offered a reward to anyone who can help in finding those responsible. [Trib][DNews]

-> Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and sportsmen criticized the push by Utah to claim federal lands as its own, saying that Teddy Roosevelt would be rolling over in his grave at such an idea. [DNews]

Tweets of the day: From @cboyack: "Don't worry, everybody - the #ferguson police department will investigate itself and find it did nothing wrong."

From @kasie: "So the MRAPs we built to fight in Iraq we are now 1) using in our own streets and 2) bombing in Iraq because terrorists have them"

Happy Birthday: To UtahPolicy's Bryan Schott, BYU's Quin Monson and Rep. Jim Matheson's chief of staff, Meg Joseph. On Saturday to Mike Jerman, legislative director for Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and former state Sen. Brent Goodfellow. And on Sunday to Jessica Gail, former Matheson press secretary.

In other news: -> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded a grant to Utah of more than $1 million over the span of three years in order to help prevent drug overdoses from prescription painkillers. [Trib][DNews]

-> A Utah based technology company is helping the Liberian Government by donating two portable mapping devices in order to track the West African Ebola outbreak. [Trib]

-> Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick celebrate their 200th weekly videocast with a visit by Gov. Gary Herbert, who discusses his Healthy Utah plan and whether President Barack Obama will name a new monument in the state. [UtahPolicy]

->Patricia Tingey, the widow of Riverton City Councilman Roy Tingey, has been appointed to fill his seat. [DNews]

-> Paul Rolly notes some internal squabbles at the state Office of Education where the deputy director recently left and the state superintendent intends to. [Trib]

-> Utah Muslim leaders say they denounce any groups that instill fear or use violence in honor of the religion. [Trib]

-> Pat Bagley offers his take on the militarization of local police — and parking enforcement. [Trib]

-> Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart attended a forum in South Dakota to discuss the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking. [Trib][DNews]

-> Olympus Hills subdivision residents will become Holladay residents after the Salt Lake County Council approved the annexation of their neighborhood. [Trib]

-> A Park City elementary school teacher who was charged with having child pornography is now facing federal charges for possession and distribution. [Trib]

-> A former cop pleaded not guilty for allegedly posing as a porn producer in order to garner nude photos of a teenage girl. [Trib]

Nationally: Missouri's highway patrol is now in control of security after being commissioned by the governor to replace the local law enforcement. [NYTimes][WaPost]

-> Local law enforcement ages have become increasingly militarized, as evidenced by actions in Ferguson, Mo., leading many to wonder why the Pentagon has provided local police departments with combat weapons. [Examiner]

-> President Barack Obama says "now is the time for healing" in regards to the violence that has taken place in Missouri. [Politico]

-> Crisis has been averted after Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki agreed to step down and not challenge the new nominee. [WSJ][NYTimes][Examiner]

Where are they?

Rep. Jason Chaffetz meets with the Utah medical association.

Gov. Gary Herbert attends the Utah Symphony in Bryce Canyon.

SLC Mayor Ralph Becker meets with the National League of Cities University in Southern California.

President Barack Obama remains on vacation in Martha's Vineyard.

Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [Trib]

— Thomas Burr and Mallory Jesperson Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/JespersonM