SEARCH WARRANTS AREN'T A LICENCE TO ABUSE INHABITANTS

There is a significant issue that is overlooked in wrongful drug searches:
The police have a warrant only to search (Police sorry for grow-op mistake,
Sept. 20).

The warrants do not provide legal authority to detain, threaten, abuse or
assault anyone, or to damage their property or kill their pets. Citizens and
their guests have the right to move freely about their home and property
providing they do not attempt to impede or prevent the search.

If some illegal practice is uncovered, the police may have grounds to arrest
one or more of those on the premises. Again, such grounds to arrest do not
provide authority to threaten, abuse or assault anyone unless they resist.

Brutish American-style police tactics are becoming ever more prevalent in
Canada. Police claim these tactics are legal by virtue of their operating
regulations that authorize officers to take whatever measures they may deem
necessary in the interest of safety. It is vitally important, however, that
our police not operate under a carte blanche exemption from the law.

We will have lost the high ground if we allow the exercise of civil
authority to degenerate into simply one group of thugs subjugating another
group of thugs.

Clearly, this issue should be taken to judicial review at the first
opportunity.

Stuart Meade

Vernon