MANY OF US OWN ITEMS COPS CONNECT WITH CRIME

I have a problem with no-knock raids being justified on the basis of
evidence such as "guns, cellular phones, cash, scales and other
drug-related items," as noted in a recent article. The police seem to have
made the possession of items commonly found in many homes evidence of
criminal activity.

For example, guns or weapons. Although I don't own a gun, I know many
people who do. Some own several for hunting, sport or collection. They own
them legally and do not commit crimes with them. Why should the legal act
of having a weapon in a home be a presumption of criminal activity?

Cellular phones. Almost every family I know has a cellular phone. In my
immediate family, everyone has one. They are useful for operation my
mortgage business. Why should the possession of a common appliance be
considered a presumption of criminal activity?

Scales. We have at least four scales in our house: a bathroom scale,
cooking scale and two postal scales. These types of scales might be found
in anyone's home. Again, why should the police be allowed to use a common
household item as evidence of criminal activity?

Cash. I have sold three vehicles this year. I was paid in cash for each.
Why is it unreasonable for a person to have cash in his possession?

I suggest the police are abusing their power when they use warrants and
guns to take away legal weapons. cellular phones, scales and cash from
citizens. What happened to innocent until proved guilty? When did
possession of common household items become evidence of criminal activity?

Donald J. Opeka, Broomfield