The Defense Department says it's making changes in a program that provides surplus military equipment to law enforcement agencies.
The Pentagon has been reviewing the military surplus program, which came under scrutiny following the police response to protesters in Ferguson, Missouri last summer.
At a House hearing Thursday, a Defense Department undersecretary in charge of the program said there would be improved consultation with the departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
The official, Alan Estevez, said that would include notifying the Justice Department when a law enforcement agency has been suspended or terminating from participating in the program.
But the official overall defended the program, saying the military equipment has saved lives and is a "good use of taxpayer dollars."
He said the review of the program was ongoing.
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