With Election Day nearing, the major party candidates have set the themes for their campaigns: Republican Donald Trump calls himself the tough-on-crime, law-and-order candidate, while Hillary Clinton paints herself as the reform-minded Democrat working to make inroads with minority communities.

The ideas are mirrored by their supporters. In late October, Clinton earned the endorsement of leading Black Lives Matter activist Deray McKesson, while Trump touts the support he has received from local and national police unions.

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“It’s hard to have trust-building conversations when you’re pointing guns at people,” said David Sklansky, a Stanford Law School professor who specializes in law enforcement issues.

Although military-style equipment may be meant only be for emergencies, Slansky said departments use the gear whether it’s needed or not. The goal, he said, should be better-trained police officers – not more personnel and equipment.