How many law enforcement agencies does one government need? Apparently a plethora as evidenced by an ammunition spending spree by agencies that don’t exactly seem like the type that would need the bullets.
It was originally reported that the National Weather Service purchased 45,000 bullets, but that report has been corrected. It was actually the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for their Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.
The NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement – what the heck is that? It is described by NOAA as:
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is dedicated to enforcing laws that conserve and protect our nation’s living marine resources and their natural habitat. Our goal is to assure that the many people who enjoy these resources for recreation or rely on them for business follow the rules that will maintain the species for future generations.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement protects fish stocks from depletion and marine mammals from extinction. We also protect the livelihoods of commercial fishers, the hobbies of recreational fishers, and the health of seafood consumers.
Apparently they need a lot of bullets to protect those fish stocks and marine mammals.
Next the Social Security Administration had to explain their purchase of 174,000 hollow point bullets.
Yes these are the people who oversee a bankrupt retirement program and sends out the measly checks to senior citizens old enough to receive them. Apparently they need their own law enforcement as well and the purchase of these bullets are “normal.” Apparently things get pretty violent around there as they explained to CNSNews.com:
“Our special agents need to be armed and trained appropriately,” the blog post states. “They not only investigate allegations of Social Security fraud, but they also are called to respond to threats against Social Security offices, employees, and customers.”
The blog also links to another post about a fight that broke out near an SSA office in Massachusetts that required action by law enforcement officials.
“SSA is processing more applications than ever, which means more traffic in SSA office,” the blog states. “Employee and visitor safety is the highest priority for OIG, which, together with the Federal Protective Services and local law enforcement, has jurisdiction over SSA workplaces.”
Like me I’m sure you feel much safer knowing these law enforcement agencies are on the job.