PROTECTING POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE A HIGHER PRIORITY

Editor, The Record:

Will common sense ever prevail? Justice B. M. Joyce dismissed a case
against a couple when the police with a search warrant knocked on their
door, announced it was the police, and after 10 seconds, used a battering
ram to force the door open.

The judge found the 10 seconds was not enough and dismissed the case even
though a "modest sized" grow op was found as well as evidence of stolen
electricity.

It's really wonderful that these people have the protection of the judge,
but who is protecting the police?

Given the history of illegal weapons often found in drug operations, does
this judge really think the police should politely stand by while the
residents perhaps load their arsenal?

I wonder how comfortable the judge would feel standing outside a grow-op
bust waiting for someone to answer the door and wondering all along if
bullets may be forthcoming.

Isn't it time that we put protecting our police officers a little higher in
priority than this judge seems to think they deserve? Is it any wonder
people are upset at the justice system?

Randy Hawes

Mission