PLACER COUNTY JUSTICE

Re "Lawsuit allowed in drug raid case," Jan. 3: Why are Placer County
Sheriff's deputies breaking down doors, assaulting residents and pointing
loaded firearms at children over five marijuana plants and in spite of
Proposition 215? Because they can.

Ask Placer County Undersheriff Steve D'Arcy why and his response is likely
to be as predictable as the behavior he attempts to justify -- "the
deputies acted appropriately and we will stand by them." Contrary to
popular belief, local police and sheriff departments nationwide are
brotherhoods first, and accordingly they protect themselves from
ramifications of behaviors that a significant percentage of them engage in.
The Placer County Sheriff's Department is not a victim. It is a
disproportionately powerful entity when compared to all other public
services, and in large part operates with impunity.

Pointing a loaded weapon at a child while assaulting her father based upon
an unchecked process that allows peace officers to invade property upon a
whim is despicable. Blind allegiance to justifying it is equally dangerous.

Brian Porter, Fair Oaks