SWAT teams as private corporations?

[JodyH]

I'm thinking they should be careful what they ask for.
You want corporate protections? You should also be subject to corporate liabilities.

[mongooseman]

It is interesting to me that the most "liberal" locations have the most "big brother" feel to their law enforcement.

This private entity idea is as absurd as the idea that it is illegal to record the police on duty and in public.

That first line is awesome!

[Lon]

That's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of. But coming from that region of the country it doesn't surprise me.

[ffhounddog]

What do you think the dividends are like? I would like to put some SWAT teams in my 401K.

Depends what their take is after a bust.

[LSP552]

Nuts is all I can say.

Most public record laws I'm aware of have exceptions for specific techniques and officer safety information. There should be no problem releasing basic info on the number of calls, types of charges filed, etc.. That's just public accountability. In certain cases, I would have a big problem releasing complete AARs without redacting specific techniques. Under LA law, that was never a problem.

If the issue is protection of sensitive information, then work to change the law. Public safety agencies pretending to be something else certainly isn't the answer.

Ken

[KevinB]

It appears to be an interesting concept -- the Department "leasing" personnel and equipment to the 501(c)((3)) non profit.

[TNWNGR]

I can't see this surviving a legal challenge.

Couldn't have phrased it any better... and as we say in these parts "That dog won't hunt".

[Alpha Sierra]

What authority does a private corporation have to enforce law? Can members of these corporate SWATs be prosecuted for assault and murder? The world wonders.

[jlw]

What authority does a private corporation have to enforce law? Can members of these corporate SWATs be prosecuted for assault and murder? The world wonders.

North Carolina allows private companies to contract as police services on private property.

Georgia allows private campuses to have police departments.

It isn't exactly without precedent, and those are just a couple of examples right off the top of my head.

[TGS]

Can members of these corporate SWATs be prosecuted for assault and murder? The world wonders.

I don't think the world wonders, because there isn't really a doubt about it.