Arkansas Town Unleashes SWAT To Patrol Streets
BY Herschel Smith
11 years, 9 months ago
Paragould, Arkansas, that is:
In response to a recent increase in crime, Paragould Mayor Mike Gaskill and Police Chief Todd Stovall offered residents at a town hall meeting Thursday night at West View Baptist Church what could be considered an extreme solution — armed officers patrolling the streets on foot.
Stovall told the group of almost 40 residents that beginning in 2013, the department would deploy a new street crimes unit to high crime areas on foot to take back the streets.
“[Police are] going to be in SWAT gear and have AR-15s around their neck,” Stovall said. “If you’re out walking, we’re going to stop you, ask why you’re out walking, check for your ID.”
Stovall said while some people may be offended by the actions of his department, they should not be.
“We’re going to do it to everybody,” he said. “Criminals don’t like being talked to.”
Gaskill backed Stovall’s proposed actions during Thursday’s town hall.
“They may not be doing anything but walking their dog,” he said. “But they’re going to have to prove it.”
[ … ]
“To ask you for your ID, I have to have a reason,” he said. “Well, I’ve got statistical reasons that say I’ve got a lot of crime right now, which gives me probable cause to ask what you’re doing out. Then when I add that people are scared…then that gives us even more [reason] to ask why are you here and what are you doing in this area.”
Stovall said he did not consult an attorney before announcing his plans to combat crime. He even remained undaunted when comparing his proposed tactics with martial law, explaining that “I don’t know that there’s ever been a difference” between his proposals and martial law.
Statistics isn’t a good enough reason to stop citizens on the streets. As best as I know, Arkansas is a so-called stop and identify state, but only for loitering. Additionally, even in stop and identify states, the stop has to be a valid “Terry stop.” It cannot be because you just want to, or because crime is high in a given area.
But beyond the unconstitutionality of this approach, it is one more step in the militarization of police tactics in the United States. And don’t expect the courts to stop this kind of thing – they agree with the police and almost always side with them. They are, after all, both part of the “criminal justice system.”
I asked my former Marine son to survey this picture and tell me what he thought.
His response:
Fat ass Johnny-Soldier-Boy wannbe, who has no business walking around the streets like that. He should consider himself to be a peace officer, and if he wants to do CQB or room clearing, he should sign up, get the training, fly across the pond and do it for real. Pitiful. Just pitiful.
Pitiful indeed. If the crime is so high that patrols are needed, then the Governor of the state should call out the National Guard. Otherwise, the police should simply do their jobs.
On January 28, 2013 at 11:19 pm, Ron Nord said:
Every little hick town has SWAT teams, ordinarily you would think them funny such as Berkeley California having 20 members on their SWAT team.
It is not funny, if you put all of these people together you have a heavily armed Army in your county that belongs to the Teamster’s Union or the SEIU. Use you head on this before it to late now Obama is giving the local cops drone and tanks, read some history about what happens to people when they don’t pay attention.
On January 28, 2013 at 11:36 pm, Forrest said:
The really scary thing is that [Ron Nord-see above] is right.
On January 28, 2013 at 11:38 pm, Ernie G said:
I used to work out of a rural office that was near a small airport, and we often ate lunch at the coffee shop there. The local sheriff had a training facility nearby, and the SWAT guys ate there as well. They looked pretty much like the man in the picture, except that they had more damn black canvas, Velcro, zippers, snaps and whatnot than I have ever seen in one room. The town wasn’t Mayberry, but it wasn’t Detroit either.
On January 29, 2013 at 12:11 am, Paul F said:
A few years ago, I had occasion to observe several SWAT teams train using military facilities. Their lack of weapons discipline (muzzle awareness, walking around with fingers on triggers, etc), swaggering ‘gunshop commando’ attitudes, and obvious poor physical condition was breathtaking. Since I was in Army uniform, some of them took time to share their alleged combat experiences with me. Reminded me of the Black Water people I saw in Iraq. We called them “wanna be’s, usedta be’s, and never were’s”.
On January 29, 2013 at 12:12 am, James said:
Well the government didn’t buy a BILLION and a half rounds of hollow point and distribute it to SSA and weather stations in Fla. for no reason.
On January 29, 2013 at 12:54 am, Paul L. Quandt said:
“I asked my former Marine son…”
As the only former Marines are those who are no longer alive, how is it you were able to talk to your son? My son is a no-longer-on-active duty Marine so I know a bit about Marines.
Paul
On January 29, 2013 at 1:46 am, Hillbilly Jim said:
Paul Quandt, I know a bit about rude bullies who have to insult or correct everyone they encounter. There is no reason to be rude to the man who referenced his son. What did you accomplish with your post? Maybe if you had been in the Marines yourself you MIGHT be justified with your point.
Of the no longer in uniform Marines I know, none would behave so boorishly. Let’s just be grateful to the son who served and focus on the real problem here.
On January 29, 2013 at 2:19 am, Paul F said:
As a retired Army CSM, I can’t speak directly but, according to my Marine sergeant brother, ‘former Marine’ is correct for those who served honorably. (‘Ex-Marine’ is the term for those kicked out of the Corps.) I figure he probably knows.
On January 29, 2013 at 2:44 am, Ben said:
So, a combat load for an infantryman would be rifle, helmet, body armor (with SAPI plates), a MOLLE vest with minimum 210 rounds of 5.56mm, grenades, med kit, comms, NVGs, water, etc. It’s loads of fun in desert heat.
I’m guessing that “SWAT gear” will wind up being an empty MOLLE vest, the cool guy black uniform and probably the usual stuff on their pistol belt. The helmet and the rifle will go back in the cruiser as soon as they’re out of sight of the higher ups.
“[Police are] going to be in SWAT gear and have AR-15s around their neck,”
Granted, there are all sorts of ways to carry a weapon and arrange all your gear, and I completely understand it’s a PITA keeping it all straight.
One thing: if your sling or any straps are “around your neck”, You’re Doing It Wrong.
On January 29, 2013 at 2:57 am, Oscar said:
Foot patrols are a very effective method for reducing crime in a neighborhood. More police departments should spend more resources on saturating high-crime neighborhoods with foot patrols, as opposed to traffic enforcement.
Stopping people without probable cause, however, is wrong. Talking to people is fine. Police officers should get to know the residents of the neighborhoods they patrol and earn their trust. That’s the best way to gather intelligence on local crime and criminals. The neighbors know what’s going on. They just don’t want to talk about it for fear of retribution. If they know, trust and see police officers in their neighborhood every day, however, they are far more likely to provide information.
On January 29, 2013 at 4:32 am, ChurchSox said:
So here’s how it will go:
1. Someone will jog past with his iPod on full blast and not hear the command to stop.
2. Some drugstore cowboy cop will bristle at the challenge to his authoritah and mow the runner down with burst of AR fire.
3. Given the state of police marksmanship, and the fact that an AR is the wrong weapon for a built-up area, there will probably be a couple of houses hit downrange, maybe someone in a passing car.
4. The lawsuits will bankrupt the city, and then it can’t afford cops on the street.
It’s a self-correcting problem. Someone needs to tell the mayor that civil rights don’t just protect citizens from government. They also protect inept politicians and bureaucrats from themselves.
On January 29, 2013 at 5:07 am, Steve Skubinna said:
“They may not be doing anything but walking their dog,” he said. “But they’re going to have to prove it.”
It’s impossible to dissect everything wrong with this statement and the underlying mindset in a comment. So all I have to say is, welcome to the police state. We’re all criminals now.
On January 29, 2013 at 6:01 am, kerry said:
There were 17 American nurses held in captivity by the Japanese in Manilla. All POWs and civilian captives had to bow to every Japanese they passed. These nurses began walking in a line, so that as they bowed, each Japanese had to bow 17 times in a row. The Japanese began avoiding the line of nurses. There have to be at least 17 Americans in Paragould.
On January 29, 2013 at 6:33 am, Soap Box One said:
But, it the sole purpose of those rifles is “to kill as many people as quickly as possible”, why are the police carrying them?
This is worse then the security theater on display in our airports. Innocent people or pets are going to get hurt or killed by this goon squad.
On January 29, 2013 at 7:13 am, tbflowers said:
RIP Sheriff Andy Griffith
Hello Jack Booted SWAT Thugs and patrol officers who never leave the safety of their Crown Victoria Mobile Fortresses to casually interact, face to face with the neighborhoods they are ‘serving and protecting’.
Is it any wonder civilian-police relations are so strained?
On January 29, 2013 at 7:26 am, Fen said:
Paul L. Quandt said: “As the only former Marines are those who are no longer alive”
Wrong. I’m a former Marine and obviously still alive. That’s what we call ourselves – “former Marine”
“My son is a no-longer-on-active duty Marine”
I doubt it. If you had a son in the Corps, you wouldn’t have made such a glaring error. Its like confusing Quarterback with Cornerback after claiming to have played in the NFL.
“so I know a bit about Marines.”
You don’t know squat. Sit down and shut up.
On January 29, 2013 at 7:38 am, TRO said:
I don’t like the idea of cops walking around this way either, although since we all know that’s just a fricken rifle and not something evil just because it looks scary, my objection has to do with cops randomly stopping people and not what they are carrying. But that said you guys are more than a little out there. You don’t know dick about the officer in this photo. He could be a “former” Marine (a (a perfectly appropriate label) himself, as a hell of a lot of cops are former military. He could be, and probably is as most cops are, a decent guy. Yet you choose to insult him like a bunch of guys who’ve had one too many speeding tickets and are bitching at the local bar.
I know a few SWAT guys. Some are great, some are good, and some aren’t either. It mostly depends on the department and the kind of money they have for training. Which, incidentally, is exactly like the military. Not all operators are the same in the services as well all know.
Finally, every vet’s military service is “alleged” unless you were standing by him or her, even this guys former Marine son. The thing is you give your fellow vet’s the respect and, sometimes, the benefit of the doubt, until you know better.
TRO, Alleged Vet
On January 29, 2013 at 8:01 am, roux said:
The police in our small city (25K) has a SWAT team and all the gear, all purchased from Dept of Homeland Security grants. Almost all of them are Barney Fife in black. Their main purpose is handing out inspection sticker and seat belt violations.
Don’t ever make the mistake of calling the police for help. You’ll be sorry.
On January 29, 2013 at 8:14 am, Josh said:
There’s not enough popcorn for this thread of comments.
On January 29, 2013 at 9:02 am, Bill said:
If they patrol like this, instead of in normal duty belt with a clear PO uniform it is no better or worse than a third world police checkpoint.
The spokesman that thought of this should be taken out behind a shed and beaten to within an inch of his life with a bar of soap.
…and I really won’t be surprised when I hear people are starting to take potshots at them with hunting rifles.
On January 29, 2013 at 9:18 am, Tom Royce said:
Add to this the recent “training exercises” in Miami and Houston with helicopters flying through the cities firing blanks you have a government preparing the populace to be expecting militarized activity around them.
This is very disconcerting if not terrifying for the future of our nation.
On January 29, 2013 at 10:06 am, Warren Bonesteel said:
wrt the Marine Thing, I refer to myself as a Veteran Sergeant of Marines. My Oath has no expiration date. That means my present and ongoing ‘mission’ is to protect and defend The Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Which is why Marines are never ‘former’ Marines or ‘ex-‘ Marines. We may be so rusty that we can’t remember the proper way to tie our boots, and we may have lost a step, but we’re still on The Mission.
wrt the article: Welcome to Police State America.
Enjoy your stay.
Me? I’m still on a mission.
The enemies of The Constitution are going to pay, and pay dearly, before I’m done.
On January 29, 2013 at 10:13 am, Herschel Smith said:
Soap Box One,
That’s an interesting point, and one I thought about making in the original post, but for some reason didn’t.
According to Tennessee v. Garner, and as an entire generation of LEOs are being taught in their classes, firearms aren’t to be used to enforce the law. LEOs cannot threaten to shoot someone if they disobey orders, even if it is a criminal escaping prison (again, see Tenn. v. Garner). Firearms are used for self defense, i.e., to save your own life or that of someone else.
Another way of saying this is that the weapons that the police are carrying serve no other purpose than the weapons a civilian would carry, concealed or open.
This raises a whole host of salient questions, such as why would any LEO need to carry such a weapon in self defense, if there is no reason to own an AR to begin with?
Warren, I hear the guys refer to themselves as “former Marines” all the time. I don’t hear them use the term “ex-Marine,” which is incorrect. I like your term “veteran Marine,” but I don’t think it’s in common usage or parlance.
On January 29, 2013 at 10:29 am, Ernie G said:
Herschel Smith, further to your point, police have no duty to protect the public, regardless of the slogan painted on the fenders of their cruisers. The Supreme Court, in Castle Rock v. Gonzales said so.
On January 29, 2013 at 11:17 am, Herschel Smith said:
Northeast Shooters discussion thread:
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/off-topic/189966-arkansas-town-goes-full-headshot.html
On January 29, 2013 at 2:02 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Protein Wisdom:
http://proteinwisdom.com/?p=46945
On January 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm, Mitch said:
Wow, so much talk about how they shouldn’t be doing this, that, or the other thing, but the fact of the matter is that they ARE doing these things…right now. Personally, I think we should all stop speculating on what our country could become in the near future and start doing some serious soul searching instead, because we all know deep down that a beast is just around the corner. Don’t act so surprised, we have all witnessed this stage being set our entire lives, it’s just been moving very slowly until now. Sooner or later, lines will be crossed and we will all be forced to choose which side of the line we are going to stand on. Right now, it’s easy for everyone to say how much of a Patriot they are, but it will be a different story when your freedom of speech is gone and speaking up will get you shot. Some of you will say that is impossible, but look how one thing has led to another over the years, bringing us right here. I’m willing to bet that 90% of our population doesn’t even resist when push comes to shove. Fortunately, that other 10% has always been enough.
As far as this particular topic goes, though, I don’t really care what local law enforcement tactic a particular town is using. The real concern to me is what these officers are going to do when corruption and abuse take charge and give them orders to do things they know are not right. And what will you do? Figure it out, because things are getting more interesting by the day it seems. Ready up and keep your eyes open people, we are going to depend on one another soon.
And by the way, I took the same oath that others have spoke of before in this thread. To those of you that know that oath, Semper Fi. And to those arguing over the “proper” terminology for USMC veterans, well, you are obviously not one of us. But now is not the time for that petty crap. Yeah, the guy in the photo looks like a boot-ass POG…so what? All I want to know is who he is going to point that AR at when he is told to shut down civil rights.
On January 29, 2013 at 2:18 pm, Herschel Smith said:
I’m sympathetic to the rest of your arguments, Mitch. Yes, you’re right, what will these LEOs do when told to fire on U.S. citizens because of something or other? That’s an important question, just as important as my response.
But I do care about these tactics. The question isn’t what will happen when they are told to do something wrong. This IS WRONG. It violates the constitution (i.e., see the SCOTUS decisions on stop and identify).
On January 29, 2013 at 2:36 pm, Mitch said:
I understand why you are concerned, Mr. Smith, and I am with you on it. It is wrong, and it is unconstitutional. However, it has become clear that the Tree of Liberty is thirsty, and that our Constitution is under the threat of imminent attack. No matter what we say here, domestic aggressors are going to continue their agendas until it all hits the fan. Right or wrong, it’s upon us. We can object to it all we want, but its not going to reverse what is already in motion. And if we take action, we will only escalate the national situation…
It seems to me that we have a wolf by the ears here.
On January 29, 2013 at 3:18 pm, SOL Gardener said:
I am glad to see the support of current and former military veterans towards our nations freedom and for the US Constitution. Something I ask all of those who’ve served is that you plan to help train up the militia. do not think you’ll fight alone, and your skills are needed to increase the number of riflemen. You have neighbors that are willing, but are low in infantry basics. They need your help.
On January 29, 2013 at 4:30 pm, Bill said:
^^Truth
On January 29, 2013 at 4:36 pm, Fen said:
“to those arguing over the proper terminology for USMC veterans, well, you are obviously not one of us. But now is not the time for that petty crap”
Hope you’re not talking about me. We had a troll making attacking the OP with an appeal to authority (claiming his son was also a Marine). It wasn’t petty calling him out on the terminology, because it outed him as one of those Stolen Valor types.
And Mitch, I don’t think its going to go down like you think. There won’t be a Ruby Ridge moment. It will happen softly and quietly, like the Boiling Frog anecdote.
On January 29, 2013 at 5:10 pm, Dwight said:
Don’t worry, the train ride and the shower is free.
On January 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Salon:
http://www.salon.com/2013/01/29/arkansas_town_enacts_martial_law/
On January 29, 2013 at 9:23 pm, Just Some Northerner said:
The SEIU (Service Employees International Union) represents no police force members. They are predominantly in healthcare fields, building maintenance, and government employees like bus drivers and daycare providers. The police unions do have connections to the IBT (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) but are generally autonomous, especially the officer unions.
What I’m driving at: I guess I shouldn’t be surprised when some backwoods crypto-fascist announces he’s declaring martial law that people start finding a way to blame it on working men and women, and the President.
On January 29, 2013 at 10:25 pm, Herschel Smith said:
“Working men and women, and the president.”
Explain?
On January 29, 2013 at 10:31 pm, Daniel Smith said:
To what Oscar said, “Foot patrols are a very effective method for reducing crime in a neighborhood. More police departments should spend more resources on saturating high-crime neighborhoods with foot patrols, as opposed to traffic enforcement.”
One thing my father did not mention when he quoted me, was the fact when I did respond to the picture, my first reaction was,” Oh wow, is that Iraq again?” Your comment is very true about foot-patrols, saturating areas blah blah… But the biggest problem to me is the fact that you think it is ok for police to be conducting counter-insurgency operations in America, as we did in Iraq or Afghanistan… Let me be clear once more, Police officers are not soldiers. They are to protect, and SERVE. Counter-insurgency operations by default, is taking an aggressive stance, and offensive posture, which the police are not trained to do, even if they wanted. The separation of State and Military is vital in my opinion. History has proven that.
On January 30, 2013 at 6:57 am, Viktor said:
There’s something strange about this particular town, Paragould.
Here’s the only follow-up article I could find:
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/239294/2/PPD-Street-Crimes-Unit-concerns-blown-out-of-proportion
Try to imagine the response in your own town to a statement like this from your local Police Chief.
The people in this town appear not only to be cool with it, but universally cool with it — i.e., without ANY dissent.
Check out comments to one article:
http://www.todaysthv.com/comments/239294/2/PPD-Street-Crimes-Unit-concerns-blown-out-of-proportion
And Letters to the Editor of the Paragould Daily Press:
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/shared-content/search/index.php?search=go&o=0&l=&s=&r=&d1=12%2F31%2F12&d2=01%2F30%2F13&q=letter+editor
Paragould is a smallish town of 22,000 people, not too near any major population centers (about 70 miles N of Memphis, TN).
They say they’re doing this in response to crime. But, here’s what the Paragould PD website has to say:
http://paragouldpolice.org/
“In 2002 statistics were gathered and declared in 2003 that Paragould was recorded as the Safest City in Arkansas with a population of 20,000 plus. The crime rate was 15 crimes per 1,000. The city that came in 2nd place had a rate of 42 crimes per 1,000. ”
It just seems very weird to me. Like a cult or something.
On January 30, 2013 at 7:57 am, Gramps said:
It’s not quite the same dynamic that you think. We suffered with it here about twenty years ago, so I recognize it.
I live in northern NJ, in a city with a crime ridden north end and a well-to-do south end. We complained when we suffered a rash of nighttime burglaries, and the chief of police spent most of the community meeting blaming the residents for the crimes. His most notable response was a massive enforcement of parking restrictions on residential streets, saying that it showed the criminals that the police were around.
Paragould’s mayor was saying how dare you criticize me. You want more police, I’ll give you more police. While he could just as easily have put the SWAT team members back in street uniforms to patrol, that would have done nothing for his passive-aggressive ego.
On January 30, 2013 at 3:18 pm, John said:
I agree in principle with this article. The police state has grown too much, but i take exception to the author’s son. I am against the US military policing the world and essentially doing the same thing as this article is complaining about.
On January 30, 2013 at 3:28 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Completely missed the point, did you, John? The discussion isn’t about constabulary operations abroad, and whether you agree with it.
On January 30, 2013 at 11:07 pm, POG finder said:
Paul F,
Re: Blackwater guys; some of them might be “usedta be’s,” but what is it that they “wanna be” or “never were?” I’m pretty sure most of them have to have some sort of significant military background. Just out of curiosity, what was your MOS?
Sure some of them might be a tad overweight, but then again, so are many active duty SF.
Never understood why military guys give crap to the ex-military guys who had the ability to make more money doing the same type of work. But I’m sure some type or amount of envy is involved.
Too compare overseas private security to SWAT “wanna-be’s” is retarded.
Hooah, Smadge!
On January 30, 2013 at 11:46 pm, T. McGrath said:
I am in complete agreement with both Warren Bonesteel and Mitch. I also served in the Marine Corps, and while I have not been on Active Duty for quite some time (I am a Vietnam veteran), I am still honor bound by the Oath I took to protect and defend the US Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
Since the US Constitution does not grant anyone the authority to declare Martial Law and suspend my constitutionally protected rights, that is my “line in the sand.” We have a choice to make, to either act or react. I choose to act. My mission would be to seek out those who chose to enforce Martial Law and make them regret that decision.
Semper Fi!
On January 31, 2013 at 3:50 pm, John Gardner said:
Standing up to this kind of BS is not a one man operation. You need to balls to stand up but no one wants to go that next step unless there is no otehr choice.
We all know its wrong but how do we call BS on it and push back without creating a personal shitstorm raging over our head.
How do we like minded folks band together to call our towns and cities out on this.
No matter where you live you are not alone. Does the NRA or other organization promote local action like this?
I am going to the next legion meeting and get more involved it high time to start pointing these organizations in the RIGHT direction.
Mitch I am with you but it can get cold out there in a hurry if your alone.
On February 13, 2013 at 2:14 pm, Law said:
You people are delusional idiots who have no idea for the most part what you are talking about. I work for a mid size law enforcement agency in North Carolina and have been a SWAT operator for 7 years. We regularly train with 3rd SF out of Bragg, mostly ODA teams. THEY COME TO US, and we have a very good working relationship with them. We train on everything from CQB, entry and room clearing tactics to man hunt, tracking and land nav. With that being said you are so quick to praise the military, as you should, and that is a good thing, however on my 21 man SWAT team 18 members are former military.
I am not defending the actions of the cops in Ark. I am however defending the professionalism of the vast majority of SWAT operators. You people who claim to be patriots while at the same time trashing the professional honorable men and women who choose to serve their country by wearing a badge is shameful. Sure there are bad apples in law enforcement but as study after study have shown less than one half of one percent of the 900,000 police officers in this country do anything to tarnish the badge they wear.
On February 13, 2013 at 2:24 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Law,
Many of the SWAT folks are at war with the American public. I have no more respect for these tactics than I do the Nazi jackbooted thugs who carted jews off to be put in furnaces.
Oh. One more thing. You are a liar. You are no more an “operator” than I am. If you think so you’re a joke. My son was an operator when he conducted combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Go do that and come back and then tell me you’re an operator. In the mean time, write me a note and tell me all about the old folks and innocent victims whose homes you tear up and destroy, and about the children you terrorize when you bust in doors pointing rifles at people.
Respect my ass. Shame? I don’t think so. You go look in the mirror.
On February 13, 2013 at 2:36 pm, Law said:
@ Herschel ,
You are the exact kind of delusional moron i was talking about. Thanks so much for your comment it proves exactly what i was talking about. Let me guess, you’ve gotten a few tickets your a bit upset about? Get back on your medication you paranoid nut job.
THANK GOD that people like you are a minority in this country. “At war with the American Public”, ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID! Those “SWAT Folks” are citizens just like everyone else, they however chose to SERVE.
And im not even gonna justify your dumb ass with a response as to weather we are operators or not, I respect the opinion of current active duty ODA team members whom I train with far more than yours.
Oh yeah dont forget the medication, it might really help you.
On February 13, 2013 at 2:45 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Law,
Thanks for the last comment you’ll ever make on this web site. This is rich (BTW, you may want to go back to your supervisor and ask for retraining in Tennessee v. Garner).
I want everyone to take careful note of the guy who calls himself Law. Read his comment carefully.
This guy is carrying weapons around, wearing a badge, and thinks he has authority over you. He wants your respect. He thinks he’s an “operator.”
Again, Rich. I’m glad we had this exchange.
His e-mail is: highrockrunner@hotmail.com
That is, if he isn’t too much of a coward to have posted a legitimate address.
He hails from 207.4.201.195.
On February 13, 2013 at 2:55 pm, James said:
Wow, So u ban that dude for speaking his mind. Didn’t think that was what this website is about. Although I don’t agree with what he said, Herschel, u comparing cops to nazis is as bad as anything he said…just sayin
On February 13, 2013 at 3:02 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Uh huh. Ban him. Right. He lays profanity on my web site, and I’m banning him.
Rich. This gets better and better. Thanks for the comment.
On February 13, 2013 at 4:58 pm, Josh said:
His name is Trae Laws. He was using a Henderson County Courthouse internet connection to post.
An “honorable” LEO telling people to “get back on their medication” and assuming they have “tickets their upset about”. Calling people “fucking stupid”, “nutjobs”, “paranoid”, etc.
Sounds about right.
Stop being so butthurt about your supercop ego, Trae.
http://www.facebook.com/trae.laws
On February 13, 2013 at 5:02 pm, Josh said:
Also:
http://www.cityofhendersonville.org/index.aspx?recordid=136&page=30
http://www.myspace.com/56630770
On February 13, 2013 at 5:09 pm, Josh said:
@James, this website is about Herschel speaking HIS mind, FYI.
He’s known for proactively banning trolls and other people who spew garbage in the comment threads. Been doing it for almost ten-thousand articles now…
On February 13, 2013 at 6:42 pm, Roger J said:
Henderson County, NC, home to the SWAT cowboy “Law”, was where the following incident occurred some months after NC’s concealed carry law went into effect. A fellow gun club member with a NC concealed handgun license was stopped. In accordance with NC law, he showed the officer his permit and indicated where the weapon was – on the passenger side seat. The officer responded by throwing the CHL document on the ground and confiscating the handgun. Although he was not charged with anything other than a moving violation, the owner had to hire a lawyer to get his handgun back. When I am in WNC, I give Henderson County a wide berth.
The militarization of America’s police should be of concern to every law-abiding citizen. Relations between citizens and police have devolved to an US vs THEM mentality. Personally, I’d rather take my chances with criminals. At least they don’t pretend “we’re here to help” while tearing up your house and looking for a reason to put cuffs on you…or worse.
On February 13, 2013 at 7:45 pm, Daniel Morseth said:
About the cretin ‘Law” and his Bravo Sierra statistic about i/2 of 1 per cent of the jackbooted thugs tarnishing the badge – does the ‘percentage’ crap matter to YOU when it is YOUR wife, daughter, grandma, grandpa, son, brother or family pet which is terrorized, assaulted, or shot dead by some brain-dead wannabe SS punk whose only courage comes from being surrounded by other punks who can help him murder citizens without even a pretense of ‘due process’? Oh, yeah, and the term ‘Protect and Serve’ is correct, but we all mistakenly think that it refers to serving or protecting the citizens – it refers to them serving themselves and protecting their asses.
Oh – and anyone old enough to be a vet from the Nam era, I greet and salute you, and I want to say, even if your joints and tendons are too work out to hump a ruck for a few hours or road march for a few miles, I’ll bet my ass that you can still hit a target at 100 yards or better, and I’ll ALSO bet that you won’t have any hesitation at trigger time. And you have a lot of us other old geezers who will damn sure have your back.
On February 13, 2013 at 7:46 pm, Josh said:
The only time a “SWAT” team (ie: militarized police force) should ever be used is when intelligence ascertains there is an active, armed threat that has a high potential of leading to civilian loss of life.
They should not, under any circumstances, be employed to serve warrants or beat in doors in the dead of night (like jackbooted Nazis). The appropriate way to serve warrants is to employ sound defective work, leading to uniformed officers (who should all be in neck ties still) serving warrants in the daylight, in the open.
The notion that Henderson County even has a 21 member “SWAT” team is obscene. What are you guys doing up there? Raiding hippies for their cannabis stash? In full costume with automatic weapons?
Militarized police action should be reserved for crisis situations. Someone hiding from the police is not a crisis – it’s a fact of life. All that DHS money had to go somewhere, and it went towards police militarization and low-level training, convincing powder kegs like Trae Laws he’s capable and reasonable enough to conduct quasi-military raids on our own soil.
Defund the police departments out of their armored vehicles and “SWAT” costumes and drones. Give them pay raises, require higher education as a minimum and put them back in neck ties.
Also, remove the blue line, forever. This sentiment has been stricken from aircraft cockpits for decades to keep flights safe from human ego.
On February 14, 2013 at 3:46 pm, marburg said:
This is too easy.
We’ve been preparing for these aholes to play soldier for over 4 years.
Never participate in a frontal assault…if you know they are coming, move quickly in the opposite direction.
One of the good guys will have acquired the ahole target from 500 meters away….they will never know what hit them.
A few bottles of high octane around your porches with cell phone triggers leave a nice calling card.
You can also bury them shallow where they will park their war wagons.
Wannabees…..everywhere.
III/0317