Pubdate: Thu, 13 Feb 2014
Source: Bryan-College Station Eagle (TX)
Copyright: 2014 Suzanne Wills
Contact:  http://www.theeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1132
Author: Suzanne Wills
Note: Title by MAP editor

SWAT NOT NECESSARY

Thank you to The Eagle for the Sunday editorial pointing out the
dangerous folly of sending paramilitary units to do such routine
police work as serving arrest warrants for non-violent charges.

Thousands of SWAT raids are carried out every year. When innocent
people are shot or killed by mistake the practice is scrutinized
briefly. Few in-depth studies of the long term effects have been made.

At the very least, routine use of SWAT raids cause the police to look
at the general public as the enemy, not people they should protect and
serve -- and the public to look on police as unhelpful and
frightening.

If Washington County Sheriff Sgt. Investigator Adam Sowders' tragic
death serves a purpose, it will be to cause other sheriff's
departments to reassess the way they do their jobs.

SUZANNE WILLS

Dallas
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D