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Is there no middle ground?

If they don't use the gear, they can't justify it.

While I'm no cop and such actions are concerning to me - let me play devil's advocate. If you have to train a group of men to apprehend a wide variety of suspects/fugitives/badguys in a manner that is fast, effective, and as safe as possible, it makes sense that you keep the procedures, tactics, and equipment used consistent.

After all, pointing an M16 at someone wont hurt them any more than pointing a .38 special at them, but it's a hell of a lot less tempting to run/fight back against an overwhelming force.

That they seem heavy handed in this case is just a result of it being on the edge of the range they need to cover.

All of that makes sense under the premise that the SWAT team should be used to apprehend an individual which is not know to be part of any criminal group nor has committed a violent act.

I suspect they wanted to get in very quickly, but I think it might have made more sense to send two guys to wait for him to come out of his house rather than send 12 to kick in his door. I have limits as to how far I can argue their point. It does seem somewhat excessive. But you never know the details.

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