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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman