Episodes
-
Armed in America: Police & Guns Townhall
S1 E1 - 1h
Police & Guns, a one-hour town hall conversation exploring whether U.S. police forces are becoming increasingly militarized. Among those that participated in this conversation are Mr. Lawrence; Betty Taylor, former Winfield, Mo. Police Chief and SWAT Team Member; Alecia Phonesavanh, the mother of baby injured when a flash bang landed in his crib during a “no-knock” SWAT raid and other guests.
Extras + Features
-
Mother Recalls 60 Terrified Hours When Gunman Held Her Baby
2m 42s
An armed gunman forced Iris Vickson out of her home at gunpoint, leaving her two year old daughter inside with the gunman. Iris tells the story of the SWAT team that negotiated for over 60 hours to bring Iris’ daughter back to her safely.
-
Former Sheriff Explains Reasons Police Use Military Equip...
1m 6s
Former Sheriff of King County, Washington, Sue Rahr, shares her story of a violent standoff where her team would have greatly benefitted from receiving protective military equipment from the 1033 program.
-
Armed in America: Peace Officer | Preview
30s
Examine the nation’s rising gun violence with Independent Lens and PBS. Watch new documentary film Peace Officer — followed by a town hall discussion hosted by NPR’s Michel Martin.
-
How Do Police Acquire Military Grade Weapons?
1m 13s
Through the Federal 1033 program, Chief Beary acquired a grenade launcher. He explains that the University has never had a live round, and how it fits into the security needs of a state university.
-
Introduction to Armed in America: Police & Guns
1m 2s
A panel discusses the growing militarization of the US police force and its impact on neighborhoods across America. SWAT team raids have increased over 15,000% since the 1970’s. With tensions growing between the people and the police, the film “Peace Officer” helps to start a conversation about whether police foster peace or create conflict.
-
Flash Bang Grenade Exploded Near Baby’s Crib, Mother Recalls
3m 49s
Alecia Phonesavanh recounts the story of when a SWAT Team threw a flash bang grenade in through a window, and it landed in the crib of her son, baby Bou Bou. The SWAT Team rushed the baby to the hospital, where he was in a medically induced coma for three weeks. To date Baby Bou Bou has had 14 surgeries.
-
Recruiting Police in Missouri During the Ferguson Protests
2m
In the weeks surrounding the riots in Ferguson, Missouri during the summer of 2014, Betty Taylor was running a police recruitment program in St. Louis. She discusses with Michel and audience the emotion and sense of community she witnessed.
-
Does Arming Police Make Them More Likely to Use Force?
1m 54s
In Ferguson, Missouri, unarmed man Michael Brown was shot by a white police officer in 2014. In Seattle 1999, a SWAT team faced anti-globalization protests that turned so sour that it was called the “Battle of Seattle”. Some psychologist say that the weapons the police carry may make them more aggressive towards others.
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.
Similar Shows
WETA Extras
Culture
Karamu: Feast For The 7th Day
Culture
Demystfying Detox
Culture
Brave Spaces
Culture
The Horse Relative
Culture
Unguarded
Culture
Genesis: When in Rome 2007
Culture