President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to restore the flow of surplus military gear to local police departments.

The Obama administration severely limited the program two years ago amid a public outcry over how the equipment was used during protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown. But Attorney General Jeff Sessions says those restrictions went too far. He says the new approach will boost public safety.

Sessions announced Mr. Trump's decision to a cheering crowd Monday at the national convention of the Fraternal Order of Police in Nashville, Tennessee.

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"These restrictions went too far, we will not put superficial concerns above public safety, we will do our best to get you what you need," said Sessions at the event.

CBS News learned on Sunday that the Trump administration would renew the transfer, referred to as the "1033 program," of some surplus military equipment to state and local police agencies.

The White House has released a copy of the executive order signed by Mr. Trump.