Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jan 2004
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
edple18011804jan18,1,593364.story?coll=orl-opin-letters-headlines
Copyright: 2004 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Author: Martin C. Premo
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n098/a02.html

KNOCK AND TALK

The Sentinel's Tuesday editorial condemning the Orange County Sheriff's 
Office use of "knock and talk" investigations does not address the core 
issue. While preaching to the sheriff's office to "knock it off," the 
editorial states, "Many people would assume they didn't have a choice and 
allow the officers to come inside. But in America, people have a choice."

Knocking on a door and talking to the occupants are effective ways to 
address anonymous tips when it comes to illegal activity. Should tips 
concerning illegal activity be ignored because "many people" are ignorant 
of the Bill of Rights?

This seems like an education issue, not a legal issue. If someone does not 
know enough to say no when it comes to law-enforcement entry into their 
home, how is that the fault of law enforcement?

It is also disheartening to see the Sentinel compare this tactic to former 
Volusia County Sheriff Bob Vogel's use of "profiling" when it came to drug 
trafficking in the 1980s. Stopping people based on race and the amount of 
gold jewelry they were wearing is a far cry from knocking on a door and 
asking to come inside.

It may be fun to castigate law enforcement, but if the public simply read 
the Constitution, then the "knock and talk" issue would be moot.

Martin C. Premo

Orlando
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman