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I don't think it's "further militarization of the police forces". I think it's giving them the right tools for the job.

You wouldn't expect a mechanic to work on your car with nothing but a pair of pliers. You would expect him to have the right tools for the job.

LEOs are paid to go into harms way. A handgun is a poor weapon at best. It's a "gotta have it right this second" tool. Most people who are shot with a handgun not only survive, but often stay in the fight. An officer having a long gun when they know there's a good chance they'll need to shoot is having the right tool for the job.

If it were up to me, there would be a patrol rifle and a shotgun in each patrol car.