No-knocks are important. The system needs fixing, not eliminating.KBCraig wrote:In this case, I think people are ready to "hang out to dry" the system of armed home invasions dressed up as "no-knock warrants".carlson1 wrote:Very well said! Too many people are ready to hang the police out to dry.
The majority here have publicly stated that they'd have opened fire under the same circumstances faced by Kathryn Johnston, as would I.
There are a shocking number of innocent people whose homes are violated by these tactics. Their safety is placed in jeopardy, their families are terrorized, pets have been killed, people injured, and both homeowners and police officers have been killed.
This is inexcusable. The system must be stopped.
Kevin
Judges won't issue warrants for the police to "allow the bad guys to dispose of the evidence to rid the streets of those drugs". The purpose of a search warrant is to RECOVER the evidence, not have it destroyed.
I never worked dope, but even I know that CI's are notoriously poor information providers. That's why they should be searched prior to going in, the money should be marked, and they should be searched immediately after leaving.
THEN an undercover officer SHOULD be required to follow up by actually making a buy with the CI to confirm information.
And all no-knocks should be made in the company of a LEO who has actually been to the house and can verify the accuracy of the location of the residence by address AND visual appearance.
I live at 2704 X street. But it is also a light tan brick 2 story with specific features and objects in the yard. If the warrant gets transposed to 2407 X street, someone who has been to my house will instantly know something is wrong.
Prior surveillance before a no-knock can also be VERY useful.
I agree that the injury and death to innocents is UNACCEPTABLE. There is much that can be done to fix that.