“......department policy allows for removal of the threats...”
Well, it may be policy, but it isn’t law. Regardless of ‘policy’, it is highly likely the SWAT team and police knew there were children in the home.
It may be policy, but if I’m ever on a jury for a civil suit on something like this, the police are going pay out the nose for their arrogance.
I have a policy about anyone who harms one of my dogs. I doubt the cops would like it much. I don’t care. I’ll take my chances with a jury.
That is the same excuse all gov’t workers use for any problem and as an excuse for not using any logic or common sense. They are following policy. Following policy allows them to keep their job and pensions.
If the legal and civil liability exemptions allowed law enforcement agencies and officers was eliminated this sort of GESTAPO crap would end overnight.