[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The big change happened in the 1970s, when using the excuse of some police assassinations, the federal government encouraged police nationwide to discontinue using “Old West rules”, and adopt “SWAT rules”.

This means things like, assume ambush at traffic stops, brandish gun frequently, it is essential to assert control in all situations ASAP, etc. The end result is more cops getting killed, often with their own guns.

[Colorado Doug]

That big change with all it's federal handouts of military gear has caused every little county and burg in the country to set up SSWAT teams of trigger happy Barney Fifes who then, all stoked up on adrenaline, go to what could be the simplest nonviolent bust in the world and blow everything and everyone to bits.

Taking the paramilitary nonsense out of our police forces would go a long ways towards restoring the respect that they once enjoyed.