Pubdate: Sat, 31 Jul 2004
Source: Summit Daily News (CO)
Copyright: 2004 Summit Daily News
Contact:  http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587
Author: Tom Parsons
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1069/a06.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1073/a06.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

NOTHING JUSTIFIES DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

I am pleased that the Summit County Drug Task Force will step up and
pay for damages to a condominium targeted in a drug bust that went
bust.

As a citizen of Summit County, I would expect nothing less even though
I recognize that it is my tax money police will use.

I found quite disturbing the statement by Undersheriff Derek Woodman
to the effect that the task force usually doesn't pay.

I trust that law enforcement personnel in Summit County are unlike
those we witness on TV cop shows, and read of regarding other
communities, wherein a "raid" serves as an excuse to damage property
in much the same way that juveniles will sometimes vandalize for the
thrill of it.

Nothing I can think of in the context of a raid justifies the wanton
disregard of a person's property, whether or not the raid turns up
evidence of a crime.

I hope the sheriff agrees and will so declare prior to the primary
election.

Tom Parsons

Lakeview Meadows