Because they are: https://www.journal-news.com/news/local/local-police-boost-arsenals-with-surplus-military-gear/O3EKiKe7Li4t1WfIewVyeI/ https://www.journal-ne

Because they are: https://www.journal-news.com/news/local/local-police-boost-arsenals-with-surplus-military-gear/O3EKiKe7Li4t1WfIewVyeI/ https://www.journal-news.com/news/local/local-police-boost-a... https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/crime--law/police-expand-arsenals-with-surplus-army-gear/iGkcwHOr7e9feILGGJVL6O/ https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/crime--law/police-ex... https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/15/local-law-enforcement-agencies-surplus-military-equipment/10286485/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/15/local-... https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/09/police-military-surplus-purchase-debate/10221551/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/09/police... In part, this is driven by programs (as mentioned in the USA today article) where the local police forces can get the equipment itself at no cost (they only pay the maintenance, cost of shipping the equipment, and cost of storing the equipment, or any other local accommodations; all of which are a bargain compared to its actual cost)