delta1 wrote:I get what you are saying. The way this went down is a big reason why "no knock warrants" are being questioned. But the cops were doing their jobs. It is not a crime for them to make mistakes in serving warrants, nor is it a crime to shoot back when shot at. It was a tragic accident that Taylor was killed.
Does the elevated risk of a citizen or a police officer getting hurt or killed due to the nature of the warrants justify the potential benefits: evidence or the apprehension of a dangerous criminal?
Many law enforcement agencies avoid the possibility of somebody getting killed trying to arrest a dangerous suspect in his home by putting the location under surveillance and taking the guy out when he leaves.
Note that one officer was fired and charged criminally, for negligently discharging his weapon in disregard for occupants of neighboring apartments. He shot through a window that was covered with blinds without a visible line of sight target.
No knock warrants should be questioned. They are a police state tactic.
If it was a no knock warrant, those officiers (or at least the one who shot her) should've been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Make an example of them.
That said, I dont think it would have stopped the riots and looting, but there would have at least been some semblance of justice for Ms. Taylors family.
All you thin blue liners out there, think about it. These cops shot this woman to death and the only charges brought were bc they shot through a window.
When the police state comes to your door unannounced, in the middle of the night, know you'll get the same treatment when they shoot your wife or daughter. "But we don't have anything to hide!" Uh huh, how much drugs did they find in Taylor's home?
You know if it was South Carolina they woulda killed the guy too and then sprinkled the drugs all over. Remember that article Gene posted? Problem solved for the cops.
End rant.
