I am not excusing the stealing some of the cops did, but as I understand it, the NO police have the right by law to "take" whatever they need to exist and do their work.
Good point about the shoes, if your shoes are ruined from wading in cruddy water they are dangerous if you have to run on pavement or levees to save someone or apprehend someone.
I'm one that was only sympathetic with those taking food and water. Until last night...I did see a lady carrying some shoes and the reported asked her if she thought that was right? She is walking through knee deep water. She says, "I can't walk around in this water in my bare feet, they will get all cut up." I had to add shoes to my list of necessities last night. With all the stuff floating around out there the lady had a point.