/1/ He said that the BP had been issued rifles for patrolling the desert, but the rifles were take away and they are only issued pistols, to encourage them to flee rather than fight when taken under hostile rifle fire.
/2/ He said that they had very successful tracking dogs who could sniff illegals out of hiding places in the brush, they were extremely effective. The tracking dogs were "too effective", the INS got heat from those who try to hamper the BPs efforts, and the dogs were sent away from their rural areas to "cool their heels" elsewhere.
Any of that true?
21 posted on 6/26/02 10:21 AM Pacific by Travis McGee
Good question. Is it true?
This is 4th time I've tried to respond to these comments and for some reason I keep losing my response.Let me try this again.Each Border Patrol Sector has their own policy for the use of M-4 rifles. I know that in San Diego Sector agents are not allowed to take their rifles into residential areas, which happens to be most of San Diego Sector. Agents from San Diego have told me that only supervisors are allowed to take out M-4's in non-restricted areas. I work for El Centro Station in the El Centro Sector. We can take our rifles out any time we choose because our area of operation consists mainly of open desert and mountains. Our sister station in Calexico is restricted from taking their weapons within the city limits.
/2/ He said that they had very successful tracking dogs who could sniff illegals out of hiding places in the brush, they were extremely effective. The tracking dogs were "too effective", the INS got heat from those who try to hamper the BPs efforts, and the dogs were sent away from their rural areas to "cool their heels" elsewhere.
I have not seen this form myself. Agents from San Diego have told me that this type of things is occurring. Deterrence is the buzz word within the Border Patrol. The fanatasy that Border Patrol management engages in is that they can deter illegal aliens that are willing to swim through 5 miles sh*t from crossing the border by displaying agents on the line. Apprehending people kind of ruins the fantasy.