Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - innocent lives vs. militarized SWAT teams

j8ear · 07-19-2006, 10:20 AM

I wonder if your a fan of Radley Balko, DK? He just finished an excellent paper titled "OVERKILL" for the Cato institute...it can be found here.

Essentially I think that one "botched" raid should be punishable. I define "botched" as simply as using a snitch as the exclusive source of securing a warrant.

Unfortunately, police are NEVER punished, and likely never will be as long as existing policies remain unchanged.

It is the policies, however, which cause the problems, and probably very little to do with the police officers who are doing what they are traind to do, and what they are told to do. Punishing them would resolve nothing. Sweeping policy changes are the only effective solution, I think.

Also, as Mr Balko aptly points out, the whole notion of using Swat Teams and no knock raids for non-violent offenders (gamblers, recreational drug users) is absurd, especially considering the rubber stamp warrant process, and the rediculous asset siezure incentives in place, even for raiding the wrong address or an innocent citizen.

-bear

07-19-2006, 10:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	I wonder if your a fan of Radley Balko, DK? He just finished an excellent paper titled "OVERKILL" for the Cato institute...it can be found here. Essentially I think that *one* "botched" raid should be punishable. I define "botched" as simply as using a snitch as the exclusive source of securing a warrant. Unfortunately, police are NEVER punished, and likely never will be as long as existing policies remain unchanged. It is the policies, however, which cause the problems, and probably very little to do with the police officers who are doing what they are traind to do, and what they are told to do. Punishing them would resolve nothing. Sweeping policy changes are the only effective solution, I think. Also, as Mr Balko aptly points out, the whole notion of using Swat Teams and no knock raids for non-violent offenders (gamblers, recreational drug users) is absurd, especially considering the rubber stamp warrant process, and the rediculous asset siezure incentives in place, even for raiding the wrong address or an innocent citizen. -bear __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission.