Schneier on Security: The Militarization of Police Work:

"During the past 15 years, The Post and other media outlets have reported on the unsettling 'militarization' of police departments across the country. Armed with free surplus military gear from the Pentagon, SWAT teams have multiplied at a furious pace. Tactics once reserved for rare, volatile situations such as hostage takings, bank robberies and terrorist incidents increasingly are being used for routine police work."

(Via Schneier on Security.)