Eric at Grim's Hall refers us to this grimly sad display of SWAT team prowess, offering only as commentary, "Why I don't trust SWAT teams":
Mission Accomplished! I think it's safe to say that closet will never harm anyone again. That's a far cry from the usual hyper-competent portrayal of SWAT teams in the media, huh?
I'm mostly sharing this because I thought it was funny (as did the laughing state police officers in the video, obviously), but if you want the real scoop on the scope and frequency of dysfunctional paramilitary police raids, as always Radley Balko at The Agitator is your go-to source, including this excellent compilation of "isolated incidents."
Sorry you have such a poor opinion of SWAT teams. I assume this is because of your views of the drug laws. However, surely you can't say that SWAT teams aren't needed.
ReplyDeleteWith school and work place shootings, the police need a highly trained well-equipped unit. Hostage rescues and high-risk arrest warrant services are also situations that need such teams.
Sure this team used too much explosives but notice this was during training. That's the purpose of training. You screw up there so you don't screw up in real life. You would be amazed at all the training these guys really do.
Surely, Todd, you can't say they aren't overused? Or that they screw up plenty in the field?
ReplyDeleteIf you think that, be sure to read the Balko link.
Grits did say he just posted it because it was funny, Todd, and the cops laughed, too. He didn't say he had a poor opinion of SWAT cops. Don't read so much into things. Learn to take a joke!
ReplyDeleteLaw Enforcement...of any kind, needs to practice blowing stuff up?
ReplyDeleteffAnybody who would give high explosives to the police should be dragged out and shot. Military weapons and tactics have no place in the civilian world. Why would we want to turn the USA into another Iraq?
ReplyDelete2:57 - they need to practice if they're that bad at it.
ReplyDeleteNow we can tell our children they'd better be good or the SWAT Team will get them.
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is, some of these kids will grow up to be SWAT Team members.
Every police department does not need a SWAT team. There could be a few experienced, well trained units that serve the needs of law enforcement over a wide area. I know this would prevent the Police Chief from saying things like "My SWAT Team is tougher than yours." The up side would be that having to call in a SWAT Team from somewhere else might force folks to think more seriously about their use.
Almost hoist by their own petard.
ReplyDeleteWhy?
ReplyDelete