The Cato Institute on SWAT

[Aleksandr]

This .pdf document is a report from the Cato Institute regarding the militarization of civilian police forces, and the unsuitability of military tactics in a law enforcement role. Police practice today has strayed from the undeniable fact that the only "rules of engagement" that apply to citizen-police relations are the ten amendments which constitute the Bill of Rights. It's a good read, detailing the history of police in the US, and the rise of the SWAT mindset in many of today's law enforcement policies.

[This message has been edited by Aleksandr (edited September 04, 1999).]

 

[Jeff Thomas]

Thanks Aleksandr.

For those of you unfamiliar with Cato, they are usually considered a libertarian think tank. Before you Republicans and Democrats turn your noses up, please note that Cato is heavily quoted in U.S. newspapers (small town rags, like the Wall Street Journal ), and submits testimony before Congress on a regular basis. Check them out at http://www.cato.org/ . You might be surprised at the high quality of their logic.

And ... they are definitely pro-RKBA. Please also see http://www.cato.org/littleton.html . These folks have a disturbing habit of telling it like it is.

Regards from AZ

[This message has been edited by Jeff Thomas (edited September 04, 1999).]

 

[TR]

Cato is also depended upon by some Republicans as well. Sometimes they are referred to as a "Conservative" Think Tank

 

[G-Freeman]

Sorry, I can't comment on the particular pdf. I'm marginally literate and can't seem to get my browser to open one. However, I do like The Cato Inst. for a good resource. Also, an org that has P.J. O'Rourke as a fellow (hilarious and true) has my endorsement. Milton Freidman ain't small potatos either.

[This message has been edited by G-Freeman (edited September 04, 1999).]