The recent protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd will have multiple consequences. Polling on police brutality and treatment of minorities has meaningfully shifted in the last four years. The major factors are videos which are clearly showing mistreatment, and the younger population being more liberal. In some ways, it's reminiscent of the country's sentiments shifting on civil rights following videos of police brutally attacking nonviolent protestors.
It will certainly lead to several reforms that will make it easier to discipline officers and make "bad actors" more accountable. For example, Derek Chauvin, who was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, had 18 complaints filed against him.
Axon Enterprises
It will also lead to more police officers being equipped with body cameras. Ideally, these cameras are good for citizens and cops who are following proper protocols. Axon Enterprises (NYSE: AAXN) makes body and in-vehicle cameras and tasers. Its stock is 30% higher over the last week. The stock has been a huge winner over the past decade, and reforms are likely to lead to more demand for its body cameras and non-lethal weapons.
Vislink and Cemtrex
Vislink Technologies (Nasdaq: VISL) and Cemtrex (Nasdaq: CETX) are two very speculative plays. Vislink makes communication equipment for live transmission of video feeds. Its major customers are law enforcement and the military. Cemtrex also makes cameras and is working on technology for facial recognition. This has become ubiquitous already in China, and many expect it to inevitably come to the U.S. With this technology, looters could be identified and prosecuted.
Gun Manufacturers
Gun companies like Smith & Wesson Brands (NYSE: SBWI) and Sturm, Ruger, and Company (NYSE: RGR) also saw big gains. In many states, background checks for guns reportedly saw big increases. Gun stocks were already in defined uptrends as the coronavirus led to increased demand. Additionally, the anticipation of a Democratic takeover of Congress and Presidential victory which could lead to restrictions on some gun sales could also account for higher demand.
Conclusion
It seems that the protests and public consensus on this issue have reached a tipping point. Increased oversight of police officers with cameras should, in theory, help identify cops who are mistreating people. There will also be tougher guidelines on the escalation of force. Additionally, if people feel unsafe, gun sales will go up. If Democrats win or are expected to win, gun sales tend to soar, as well. Both ingredients are currently in play.