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Militarization Of Oklahoma Police Departments, Sheriffs And Schools

The militarization of Oklahoma law enforcement agencies has spread to universities, state agencies and a school district.

More than 1,500 purchases have been made by those organizations since 1995.  The most purchased items include M-14 and M-16 assault rifles, shotguns and .45 caliber handguns.

Records from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services show that law enforcement agencies have purchased 27 MRAP's, mine resistant ambush protected vehicles that were built to protect soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Law enforcement agencies that have purchased the vehicles say they will use them in the war on drugs, hostage situations and for rescue operations in natural disasters.

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