CITY OWED THOROUGH PROBE OF SWAT GAFFE

San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz is being prudent by withholding
judgment until after a full investigation of a drug raid that left two
innocent people injured.The investigation must be thorough, and it is
Ortiz's duty to make sure the findings are comprehensive enough to
address many legitimate and disturbing concerns citizens have about
the SWAT team drug raid gone awry.

Officers invaded the wrong South Side duplex, breaking through the
rear sliding glass door, according to reports. A concussion grenade
was also used in the raid.

Even more disturbing than the glaring error in addresses were the
injuries suffered by cousins Marcos and Salvador Huerta.

The victims said officers kicked and punched them several times before
realizing the wrong home had been invaded. That use of force is highly
questionable, and the department's report must address the violence.

No citizen, even a drug suspect, should be subjected to kicking and
punching by police without just cause. If that's standard operating
procedure, Ortiz has a bigger problem on his hands than a wrong address.

Certainly, police officers have every right to operate in a way that
enhances their safety. Their work is dangerous. But citizens also must
be protected from unwarranted assaults.

Ortiz told the Express-News last week, "We don't mind making changes
if that's what needs to be done."

The chief noted that the San Antonio SWAT team has a reputation as one
of the finest in the country. That reputation has been tarnished by
this incident.

It will take a substantive response from the chief to repair the
damage.