Pubdate: Sat, 28 Sep 2002 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Stuart Meade 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Josh