CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — President Barack Obama says the use of militarized gear by local police departments can give the public the feeling that law enforcement is like "an occupying force."

He says such an image can "alienate and intimidate" people and send the wrong message to the community the police is trying to protect.

Obama is cutting back on shipments of military equipment to local police because he says some equipment made for the battlefield is not appropriate for policing.

Obama made his announcement in Camden, New Jersey, where he praised police efforts to improve their relationship with a poor community struggling with violence.

The announcement came nine months after complaints about officers using riot gear and armored vehicles to confront protesters in Ferguson, Missouri.