APUS ePress: Security Management

Jeremy J. Timko
Program: Security Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey T. Fowler
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative research method capstone was to examine the effects of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) 1033 Program on police militarization and police-community relations. This was accomplished via an exhaustive research effort consisting of the collection and examination of scholarly and peer-reviewed journal articles, government research and reports, research institution publications, books, organizational websites, media articles, and archival research through the American Public University online library. The findings indicated a disconnect in accountability and a lack of training standards set by both DoD and law enforcement agencies participating in the 1033 Program, which partially contributed to police militarization and the erosion of police-community relations. The 1033 Program was determined not to violate the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 based on the programs approval by Congress. This study concluded the 1033 Program, as well as police-community relations can be improved through increased oversight and the implementation of written policy, improved accountability, and training standards while also minimizing police militarization.