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The problem with the militarism of the police is one of mind set. As they adopt the more aggressive tactics of the military, the police move from one of protect and serve to a weapons free attitude.
There is a need for SWAT units in police departments. They do an excellent job but they are costly. The bean counters must justify the expensive training so they start to utilize the unit for more mundane task were their hard charging aggressive tactics may not be appropriate.
In Pima County AZ a former Marine was woken up in the early morning. He grabbed his AR-15 to investigate the noise and was Killed by a SWAT sniper without warning. Per the Tucson Papers.
A simple uniformed Officer (with backup) could have knocked on the door and made the arrest. In stead the unit went through elaborate unstealthy preparations and the shooting resulted.
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