Obama Orders Review of Programs That Allow Police to Purchase Military Equipment

President Barack Obama has ordered a review of programs that clear the way for state and local police to purchase military equipment, CNN reported, citing a senior administration official.

The review follows criticism of the use of force by police during protests in Ferguson, Missouri, over the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown earlier this month.

Demonstrators speak to Capt. Ronald Johnson (in blue uniform) of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who was appointed by the governor to take control of security operations in the city of Ferguson after the shooting death of Michael Brown, on August 17, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. (Image source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The review, CNN said, will focus on:

• Whether such programs and funding are appropriate;
• Whether state and local enforcement agencies have the necessary training and guidance after getting such equipment;
• Whether the federal government is sufficiently auditing the use of equipment obtained through federal programs and funding.

Police wearing riot gear walk toward a man with his hands raised Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

CNN, citing the official, reported that White House staff -- including members of the Domestic Policy Council, the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget -- will lead the review in coordination with Congress.

The following clip accompanied the CNN story: