Resource dependence theory argues that organizations attempt to secure valuable resources difficult to obtain elsewhere. Institutional theory argues that expectations matter, including public expectations. How should police leaders reconcile public opinion that conflicts with resource needs? For example, the federal government’s 1033 Program allows police departments to obtain a wide variety of resources—vehicles, firearms, technology, and tents are a few examples. In the wake of the police-citizen confrontations in Ferguson, Missouri, and elsewhere, questions arose about the value of militarizing the police and the 1033 Program, more generally.

How should police departments respond to this apparent conflict?