What is the difference between using militarized police and actual military? If in the hands of a despot one is a problem, then so is the other. So I don't see how weaponizing the police changes this equation.
(Some other commenters suggest the police is more loyal to the local citizenry, in which case weaponizing the police could be seen as providing a counterbalancing armed force that could defend against a military assault on the populace)
Personally, I'm not concerned about either scenario.
If I had to generalize about the military and the police, I'd have a lot more fear for police. The veterans I've known by and large hate the government, which is ironic. But cops have zero compunction against violently attacking the people.
Especially because the police are not professional soldiers. They might think that that APC of theirs makes them invulnerable and pull some crazy shit. Actual soldiers with one APC would live in dread of rednecks with hunting rifles.
(Some other commenters suggest the police is more loyal to the local citizenry, in which case weaponizing the police could be seen as providing a counterbalancing armed force that could defend against a military assault on the populace)
Personally, I'm not concerned about either scenario.