It's stupid for a SWAT team to wear balaclavas. They are not undercover and they don't need to hide behind a mask. Their vision is impaired and it scares the crap out of the civilians. It's stupid and it must be stopped. If you are truely undercover, then stay home and let uniformed officers make the arrest. This is another case of going mouse hunting with an elephant gun.

That's it, the drug war has finally been won. Everybody go home. Mission accomplished.

"We had to go get him, or this thing could have been much
worse"

Yeah, he could have flushed the evidence. It's much better to terrorize an entire restaurant than let some small time drug dealer flush his stash.

Jesus, these people need a leash.

JoeBagadonutz:It's stupid for a SWAT team to wear balaclavas. They are not undercover and they don't need to hide behind a mask. Their vision is impaired and it scares the crap out of the civilians. It's stupid and it must be stopped. If you are truely undercover, then stay home and let uniformed officers make the arrest. This is another case of going mouse hunting with an elephant gun.

Not to mention the fact that, in FL if they don't CLEARLY identify themselves as police, the "Stand Your Ground" law might just come into play.

If I was carrying and with my kids in a restaurant, and a bunch of hooded dudes with guns came in and ordered everyone onto the ground, you can bet that I'd take whatever steps I thought prudent in order to protect my children. That would likely take the form of covering them with my body or anything else bullet-resistant I could find, but I'd also have my gun in my hand, and if someone pointed their gun at my kids, there would be a problem.

Marcus Aurelius:"We had to go get him, or this thing could have been much
worse"

Yeah, he could have flushed the evidence. It's much better to terrorize an entire restaurant than let some small time drug dealer flush his stash.

Jesus, these people need a leash.

Not sure he was a dealer.... he was buying the drugs...

FTP

FTFA: "We had to go get him, or this thing could have been much worse," Breakstone said.

There's no mention that the suspect's got a record of any kind. So the cops sell him dope. Then they bust him. Get the dope back. Why didn't they just wait an hour, and bust him when he was away from a busy public setting.

This swat bullshiat has got to stop. It's as close to a violation of posse comitatus as you can be without actually violating it. Two state troopers could have done the dame thing, one with a side arm, another with a shotgun.

Anyone who follows The Agitator (^) knows what I'm talking about.

benlonghair:There's no mention that the suspect's got a record of any kind. So the cops sell him dope. Then they bust him. Get the dope back.

Stupid hangover. My point is that this is a pretty good racket. "hey man, wanna make a few hundred bucks?"

Rinse, repeat.

All that time, money, and effort for someone with an ounce of coke and 100 pills? Disgusting. There was honestly nothing better for SWAT teams and police to be doing that night? Honestly?

I wish someone would just end this madness that is the "war on drugs" and let people put whatever the hell they want into their own bodies.

serpent_sky:All that time, money, and effort for someone with an ounce of coke and 100 pills? Disgusting. There was honestly nothing better for SWAT teams and police to be doing that night? Honestly?

Not really, SWAT teams were originally put together for hostage situations, terrorism, and other such situations. They used to be quite rare, but since the federal government has been giving equipment away like candy they are popping up everywhere.

Since there is no real need for them in the first place in most of the country, they have to find other uses for them. Drug warrants was an easy way to put them to use, even though their use is totally overkill. Surrounding the house, having a guy from the city water department turn off the water at the street, and knocking on the door/using a bullhorn would suffice for virtually all searches. Even Apartheid South Africa didn't pull the crap we do.

Of course all drugs should be legal and regulated by private industry and the government instead of letting the criminals regulate this market. That would take care of the crime and violence problem, leaving us with the relatively minor drug problem to deal with through treatment and HONEST education.

Crosshair:
Not really, SWAT teams were originally put together for hostage situations, terrorism, and other such situations. They used to be quite rare, but since the federal government has been giving equipment away like candy they are popping up everywhere.
Fair enough. But surely the people involved could have been doing something else, if only patrolling for muggings, rapists, etc. You know, things that are logically illegal?

Of course all drugs should be legal and regulated by private industry and the government instead of letting the criminals regulate this market. That would take care of the crime and violence problem, leaving us with the relatively minor drug problem to deal with through treatment and HONEST education.

You'll hear no arguments from me there... I just don't ever see this happening. I mean, this country can't even swing honest sexual education, because they're so scared of what we can do with our own bodies. How could they ever be honest about things like ecstasy or LSD or mushrooms, that expand our minds and change our perception? They can't even be honest about marijuana -- look at the commercials for "above the influence." The way the people are acting, they appear to be on PCP or something that most certainly isn't marijuana.

It's sad that they choose to enforce laws against personal choices [drugs and prostitution being the two biggest in my eyes] when there are so many real issues that legislators, courts, and police could be dealing with.

I think the real issue here is that an ounce of cocaine and 100 pills of E costs $950 dollars in Sarasota.

testing.

"I thought it was a gang," she said. "I mean, they had masks and guns and I never heard anyone say, 'police.' I thought these guys were coming to rob us."

Wow, fine police work there dumbass cops, you got to play Delta Force for a while and endanger people trying to eat with their kids. I can see how you were just too busy and important to tell people you were the farking police.

PROUD.

Reposted from the USA #1 thread because this thread is relevant to my interests:

The drug war is not working. Instead of making drug users into whipping boys, the US needs to have a coherent and effective policy on drugs.

Improved education, licensed regulation of sales and use, and increased rehabilitation (paid for by taxation of substances).

The point is not that drugs aren't bad, the point is that prohibition doesn't accomplish the goal of reducing drug use.

FTFA:

Undercover officers routinely wear masks during drug buys to conceal their identities.

This is why I never sell drugs to people wearing masks.

/Yeah, they meant "busts"

dahmers love zombie:Not to mention the fact that, in FL if they don't CLEARLY identify themselves as police, the "Stand Your Ground" law might just come into play.

Yeah, the squad of guys busting in your door with automatic weapons and a farking armored personnel carrier might just be pretending.

Kumana Wanalaia:Reposted from the USA #1 thread because this thread is relevant to my interests:

The drug war is not working. Instead of making drug users into whipping boys, the US needs to have a coherent and effective policy on drugs.

Improved education, licensed regulation of sales and use, and increased rehabilitation (paid for by taxation of substances).

The point is not that drugs aren't bad, the point is that prohibition doesn't accomplish the goal of reducing drug use.

Whoops! exhorting illegal acts!

/obscure.

My milkshakes bring all the dealers to the yard...

My milkshake brings all the cops out of cars
and they're like get your ass on the floor
and i ran through the bathroom door
I got cocaine, but I have to charge

/He must have thought someone was going to drink his milkshake
//They were going to drink it up!

T-Luv:My milkshake brings all the cops out of cars
and they're like get your ass on the floor
and i ran through the bathroom door
I got cocaine, but I have to charge

/He must have thought someone was going to drink his milkshake
//They were going to drink it up!

I LOL'ed

Weaver95:

Whoops! exhorting illegal acts!

/obscure.

clarification, please

So they thought he might be armed - so they set up this bust at a farking fast food restaurant?

And they don't want to set up a meeting at a remote location... because it somehow might put more people in danger. At a remote location. Meaning there are fewer people present.

Why not set up a drug bust at some random house, where 99% of drug deals take place? Or a grocery store parking lot at 1 a.m.?

/Not that I would know where such events take place.

I'm sure McDonalds was happy to comply when they were informed that there would be a sting going on in the establishment...

I wonder if McDonalds has any grounds for a lawsuit for the sting happening in their business? I know that they wouldn't actually take it to court, but would they stand a chance of winning if they did? Some sort of civil suit maybe?

And if they can't...Why the hell isn't there a law that says you can't set up a sting on private property (where a 3rd parties property is involved, but they are not) without the owners permission?

Marcus Aurelius:"We had to go get him, or this thing could have been much
worse"

Yeah, he could have flushed the evidence. It's much better to terrorize an entire restaurant than let some small time drug dealer flush his stash.

Jesus, these people need a leash.

No kidding. The "war on drugs" is actually a war on citizens. Let people (adults, anyway) ingest whatever they want and stop spending our money.

Crosshair:Of course all drugs should be legal and regulated by private industry and the government instead of letting the criminals regulate this market. That would take care of the crime and violence problem, leaving us with the relatively minor drug problem to deal with through treatment and HONEST education.

Now, I agree.

/Got nothin..

Weaver95:

Whoops! exhorting illegal acts!

/obscure.

duuuuude.
this is so crazy.

From the article: "Abbott said it is common for undercover detectives to conduct stings and drug surveillance in public places because they do not want to raise a suspect's suspicions and place officers in greater jeopardy by requesting more remote locations."

But it's a-ok to endanger a bunch of people at a McDonald's by storming the place with balaclava'd thugs?

angst178n:I'm sure McDonalds was happy to comply when they were informed that there would be a sting going on in the establishment...

I wonder if McDonalds has any grounds for a lawsuit for the sting happening in their business? I know that they wouldn't actually take it to court, but would they stand a chance of winning if they did? Some sort of civil suit maybe?

And if they can't...Why the hell isn't there a law that says you can't set up a sting on private property (where a 3rd parties property is involved, but they are not) without the owners permission?

The 4th Amendment is over, didn't you read that? The 1st Amendment has been dead for a long time.

The police mistaken for a gang or terrorits? That's unpossible.

serpent_sky:All that time, money, and effort for someone with an ounce of coke and 100 pills? Disgusting. There was honestly nothing better for SWAT teams and police to be doing that night? Honestly?

I wish someone would just end this madness that is the "war on drugs" and let people put whatever the hell they want into their own bodies.

Hey, they have to practice. If a few bystanders are killed, they'll refine their methods.

Weaver95:

Did you think I was suggesting that someone do something illegal?

I though it was pretty obvious that if something is going to be regulated by licensing, and taxed, that there would be a change in the legal status of drugs to allow that.

I mean, you don't license and tax something that's illegal, that doesn't make any sense. I specifically said license and tax, rather than just "legalize it", because I don't think unregulated legalization is wise.

What movie/show/etc are you quoting? Does it matter, or are you just being a troll?

octabeck:So they thought he might be armed - so they set up this bust at a farking fast food restaurant?

And they don't want to set up a meeting at a remote location... because it somehow might put more people in danger.


The Department of Fear can't produce effective anti-drug propaganda if there isn't the occasional casualty. Setting up a drug sale, and then responding with an armed raid of masked, armed stormtroopers in a public location is the perfect visual to keep the public reminded just how dangerous drugs can be.

"I thought it was a gang," she said. "I mean, they had masks and guns and I never heard anyone say, 'police.' I thought these guys were coming to rob us."

It was a gang. A legal one who intended to simply terrorize the patrons, the drug dealer and send a message to other drug dealers.

If I was the McDonald's Manager, I'd have immediately charged all the customers $5/person for the floor show. Dinner and a live show should be charged accordingly.

The police mistaken for a gang or terrorits?

Anymore I begining to believe there isn't much difference between the two. At least you might be able to reason with a gang.

angst178n:I'm sure McDonalds was happy to comply when they were informed that there would be a sting going on in the establishment...

I wonder if McDonalds has any grounds for a lawsuit for the sting happening in their business? I know that they wouldn't actually take it to court, but would they stand a chance of winning if they did? Some sort of civil suit maybe?

And if they can't...Why the hell isn't there a law that says you can't set up a sting on private property (where a 3rd parties property is involved, but they are not) without the owners permission?

1) McD's was not informed beforehand
2) There is no grounds for a lawsuit because a sting took place there.
3) Why isn't there a law? Because YOU haven't convinced your state legislator to pass one. Get to work lobbying!

JoeBagadonutz, et al.:It's stupid for a SWAT team to wear balaclavas. They are not undercover and they don't need to hide behind a mask. Their vision is impaired and it scares the crap out of the civilians. It's stupid and it must be stopped. If you are truely undercover, then stay home and let uniformed officers make the arrest. This is another case of going mouse hunting with an elephant gun.

SWAT and tactical teams wear balaclavas not to hide their identity but for protection. The masks are made of NOMEX or Kevlar and are fire retardant. Flash bangs, smoke grenades and gun fire are strong potential for burn injury. That is why tactical teams wear NOMEX gloves and goggles and ear protection too. Balaclavas as part of the safety gear just like a vest, a helmet, or a cup.

Kumana Wanalaia:Weaver95:

What movie/show/etc are you quoting? Does it matter, or are you just being a troll?

You're overreacting. He was talking about something from TotalFark. It has nothing to do with you or your post.

Love how it is legal for pigs to sell the drugs (and endanger innocent bystanders), but not for anyone else to sell or buy them...

At'a boy Lou.. ya homo

Ghost-of-Dolomite:That's some nice police-work, Lou

Bake 'em away, toys

Freaking awesome.

Nobody supports the cops more than I, especially among the cop-haters on Fark.

That said, the whole 'black-clad and masked' tactical team horseshiat is probably the worst innovation in law enforcement since the rubber hose. And, it needs to be left in the same place in antiquity as useless.

The more that police dress like military personnel, the more that the libtard citizenry will cry 'oppression'. And it's only a matter of time before the cops break down the wrong door and are repelled by an armed citizen with a properly registered class III machine gun.

I love all the stoners here who advocate making drugs legal. Guess what, heroin was perfectly legal in this country more than 100 years ago. Places like New York City became a bigger shiat hole than they were in the 70s, with not just Daddy strung out on drugs, but Mommy and Junior as well! (And you think you can't stand homeless people now.) That's one of the reasons why drugs were (rightfully so) declared a public nuisance and thereby illegal.

If drugs were made legal, what part of it would make life better? Would Baltimore and Detroit all of sudden become Gardens of Eden? Nope; you'd just expand the problem.

You know why "non-violent" drug offenders are in jail? It's not because they had a joint on them. It's because they decided they'd rather steal your XBox and pawn it for a hit than make an honest's day living. Most courts give you a pass the first time you're busted. (I'm a cops reporter, I should know.) It's when you decide to say Fark You to the courts and continue being a parasite to society that you get to do it behind bars instead out on the street.

I have a friend my age (41) who's in the grave now because he liked the heroin and meth. He had a good business, wife and loving kid, and all that was destroyed (not by the cops, but by the cancer that ravaged him) because of his drug use.

Personally, I'd like us to go the route of the Islamic world and put a bullet in the brain of every dumb bass who pedals that crap.

Ok so doing the math in my head an Ounce of Cocaine is roundabouts 23 grams correct? a gram of cocaine costs me $60 and this is the decent stuff. So either this guy was buying crushed Sudafed and that E was cheap, or this is a bargain outlet.

/Contacting someone in Florida right now.

I had a feeling that this was going to turn into the "America is a police state, police are just there to terrorize citizens" type of thread. Look, I realize you all going to call me a "sheeple" or whatever cliche, retarded term used these days, but if you're not doing anything wrong, you really shouldn't have anything to fear. I've never been harassed or been threatened with violence by the police. Maybe it's because I don't do drugs and then try to justify it by saying how dumb the laws are?