“..political tool to punish political enemies.”
Well, it’s not without precedent, that’s for sure.
Goering used the Prussian political police to go after enemies of the Nazis. They became the basis for the Gestapo, which ultimately was the combination of ALL of the German State police forces from the various states (Hesse, Bavaria, Prussia, etc.).
In a power struggle between Goerng and Himmler, Himmler became head of the Gestapo eventually, since they were a direct part of the larger SS / SD (SicherheitsDienst - Internal Security forces, militarized police) organization. But it was Goering that set it up initially and cut them loose on people. And they were used ruhtlessly against all political opponents of the National Socialists.
What’s happening here? Is it similar? Sure seems so sometimes.
Check Edward Cranskshaw’s book “GESTAPO: Instrument of Tyranny” (1956). It’s frightening how many similarities you can see.
I’ll check my library for it.
I know the L.A. County Sheriff goes after political enemies, as one he went after is a good friend of mine.