[JTN]

It seems like a good time to post this link.

[JTN]

Ping

[driftdiver]

Some tragic stories there but in IMHO it would mean more if it wasn't on salon.

I agree though that SWAT is a militarization of civilian police and the siezure laws are a violation of the Consitution.

SWAT is used more than it should because the police forces have to use them in order to maintain funding.

[CrawDaddyCA]

Most LEO's I know are gung-ho type military rejects. They join a SWAT team to try to make up for their failed military career.

Anyone wanna bet that the SC sides with the LEO's on this?

[Hatteras]

Street! Take the rear!
I'm on it, Hondo!
TJ! Take the roof!
Yes, Sir!
Deac! Sweep the van!
Say whut?!

[Billthedrill]

I certainly think there are applications for SWAT teams and a number of scenarios wherein they're indispensable. Beating down doors to get to a drug stash before it's flushed down the toilet isn't one of them. If it can be flushed down the toilet in the first place it probably isn't that significant, certainly very seldom significant enough to justify the inherent risk of life any time people with automatic weapons embark on a high-speed high-adrenalin entry operation.

I have little sympathy for fellows dressed in black with face-masks on and brandishing high-power weaponry who break into wrong houses unannounced and get shot at for it. The problem there is that you get a gunfight wherein the homeowner is always in the wrong even if he's in the right, and very likely dead as well. Any practice resulting this way needs serious examination.

[KarinG1]

I think that a good compromise would be if the police bust in and find drugs the evidence is admissible, but if they don't they go to jail. That would promote more responsibility among the people who, at this very moment, may be preparing to break down the wrong door and shoot you.