TAVS KEEP POLICE OFFICERS SAFE

Editor, The Record:

I wished to submit a response to both Russell Barth and Wendy Edelson
in regards to their letters objecting to the use of police TAVs,
(tactical armoured vehicles) published April 8.

As a serving member of a police force in the Lower Mainland, I have
current knowledge of the use of and deployment of the TAVs.

If Barth and Edelson object to the use of a small, light armoured
vehicles in the execution of drug search warrants, they themselves
should perhaps sign a waiver at their local police station, don a
kevlar vest and ride with the men and women of law enforcement when
these search warrants are executed.

Most, if not all, of the clandestine drug (marijuana inclusive) labs
contain at least one, if not many booby traps within, not to mention
the people inside these properties are armed with assault rifles, etc.

At a recent bust in Surrey using the TAVs, the individuals inside
would not open the outer gate, so the TAV was used to breach the gate
safely and effectively.

If the citizens of the Lower Mainland do not like the 'gang wars'
which are clearly perpetuated by the illicit drug trade, perhaps they
can lobby the B.C. government and/or Ottawa for changes to the drug
laws, to enable severe sentences for drug traffickers.

Until then, please don't pass judgement on the use of force required
to keep the men and women of law enforcement safe while executing
their duties to keep both Edelson and Barth safe within the confines
the freedom in Canada affords.

Const. Jason Raaflaub