Following calls by individuals and national organizations after the Ferguson, Missouri, protests, President Barack Obama has ordered a review of a U.S. Department of Defense program that allows local law enforcement to access surplus military-grade weapons.

Known as the 1033 Program, it has raised concern following police actions in Ferguson. The St. Louis suburb has seen protests following the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9 at the hands of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. Since Brown's death, police have used tear gas against protesters, as well as armored vehicles and other weapons seen in war.

The review will determine if equipment such as military guns and armor are appropriate for local law enforcement. The review will also determine if local police are properly trained to use the equipment, and if the federal government audits the supplies accordingly.

"There is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement, and we don't want those lines blurred," Obama said. "That would be contrary to our traditions."

According to a White House official, the 1033 Program review will be conducted by the Defense Department, Homeland Security, Justice Department, Treasury Department, Domestic Policy Council, National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget.

Senator Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., announced she will lead a Senate hearing in September to examine the militarization of local police departments. McCaskill, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight, plans on reviewing the 1033 Program during the hearing.

"We need to de-militarize this situation. This kind of response by the police has become the problem instead of the solution," McCaskill said. "I obviously respect law enforcement's work to provide public safety, but my constituents are allowed to have peaceful protests, and the police need to respect that right and protect that right."

Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder also commented on the equipment used by police departments following Brown's death. In a statement, Holder said local police forces obtained access to the military-grade equipment because they were "increasingly being asked to assist in counterterrorism."

Holder said, "But displays of force in response to mostly peaceful demonstrations can be counterproductive. It makes sense to take a look at whether military-style equipment is being acquired for the right purposes and whether there is proper training on when and how to deploy it."

The 1033 Program supplied approximately $450 million in military equipment for municipal police departments in 2013, and more than $5.1 billion worth of equipment since 1997.

As Latin Post reported, national organizations voiced concern about the 1033 Program, and The League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) called for Congress to review the the program.

"Police officers are using the same tactics and equipment that are used in overseas terrorist combat on Ferguson protesters," LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes said. "Local law enforcement can pick, and consequently receive, military-issue equipment out of a mail-order catalog. Is local law enforcement equating minority communities with overseas terrorists when dispatching snipers and tanks into American neighborhoods?"