US President Barack Obama addresses youth and law enforcement from the Camden community in Camden, New Jersey, on May 18, 2015.[Photo: CFP]

US President Barack Obama is moving to limit local law enforcement's access to military equipment.

"We've seen how militarized gear can sometimes give people the feeling like there's an occupying force, as opposed to a force that's part of the community that's protecting them and serving them; can alienate and intimidate local residents and send the wrong message. So we're going to prohibit some equipment made for the battlefield that is not appropriate for local police departments."

The move is in response to suggestions US law enforcement has become too militarized.

Plans include banning local police departments from using tracked armored vehicles, bayonets, grenade launchers and large-caliber firearms.

Under current provisions in the law, local law enforcement can procure used military equipment with minimal justification.

Civil advocacy groups contend local law enforcement has become too militarized, leading to an increase of officer-related shootings.