The implication of “local” in “local police” is that the demand for flock has grown organically without a centralized strategy.

I wouldn’t discount the role of the law enforcement industry, with prior greatest hits including Street Cop Conference, Bulletproof Warrior, Killology, etc.

Imagine all the scumminess and questionable ethics of pharmaceutical reps, but instead of a medical treatment, its ways to infringe on your civil liberties.