Dragnet, I agree that the WOD needs to end so these raids end. I am tired of burying colleagues for something that adults should be able to do in the privacy of their homes. Some politicians are still stuck on stupid and encourage the continued WOD. It’s still not popular in LE to dissent against it, but it’s growing. Many police officers feel that if the war on drugs is not successfully prosecuted then they failed and let immorality reign. I subscribe to the point of view that I am not really the morality police, and if the people want drugs, then the people have decided. It’s only a matter of time before it is legal, but the Fed is seriously dragging its feet.
Although there will be less SWAT teams, those tactics and weapons are still going to be useful and necessary when apprehending dangerous suspects. The days of Andy and Barney playing pocket pool outside the door, hoping that the mope inside with the SKS, who just did a takeover bank job, is going to play pretty and getting blown away for their trouble, are long over.
For the record, I am all for swat operations for very dangerous people, such as murderers, terrorist, kidnappers, and known violent organized gangsters. But using paramilitary tactics regarding those suspected of simply having drugs, is becoming as popular public pay phones in the senseless murder district. It's way too dangerous, unnecessary and puts way too many people at risk. Not to mention a huge liability for the city/counties conducting these operations. The tax payers lose big here.