NO-KNOCK WARRANTS

The tragic case of Willie Heard (4/25, B-1) is by no means an isolated
incident. No-knock search warrants have led to the killings throughout
the nation of innocent citizens suspected of drug possession.

The trace amount of "green vegetation residue" presumed to be
marijuana in no way justifies the slaying of Willie Heard. We don't
shoot alcoholics in this country, yet some police seem to think that
possession of marijuana justifies taking someone's life.

Trust in law enforcement has eroded due to the drug war. Civil asset
forfeiture has turned what should be protectors of the peace into
predators. The drug war engenders the same widespread corruption and
disrespect for police that occurred during America's failed experiment
with alcohol prohibition. The recent Los Angeles Police Department
scandals provide a telling example of what can happen when military
solutions are applied to public health problems.

There is only one way to completely restore faith in the police: End
the drug war. We need to stop kidding ourselves that police officers
are qualified to address public-health problems. And we need to
curtail the use of no-knock search warrants immediately, especially
when based upon the presumption of drug possession.

Enough innocent people have died already. How many more Willie Heards
must die before policy-makers realize that the unrealistic goal of a
"drug-free" America is turning this country into a police state?

Robert Sharpe Students for Sensible Drug Policy, George Washington
University Washington, D.C.