You're ignoring the possible correction between low crime rate and the militarization of the police. I don't think this is the case, but it makes more sense than your argument that a low crime rate suggests no need for sophisticated equipment.
It will be interesting to see what happens in NYC. There as great success in crime reduction during an era where broken windows reigned. Now we're going to try out dispassionate policing, where the police find it best to avoid conflict at any cost -- lest they be branded as using disproportionate force. Time will tell us how the crime rate and squeegemen respond.
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