Originally posted by Charon
Doesn't really sound like the police developed much of a case. An informant apparently "claimed" that he bought a couple of bags of crack from a "Sam" at the residence. I guess you don't need more than some street hood's claim before they kick down your door. No in-depth investigation, no "beyond a reasonable doubt," no "iron clad case" -- just violent search on rumor.
WTG Amerika!!!!
Charon
A search warrant only needs probable cause, we required 2 controlled buys to paper a drug house... but 1 is enough. "Beyond reasonable doubt" is not relevant to a search warrant, only in finding guilt or innocence at trail. And unless you have read their investigation, I'm not sure how you can comment on its quality based on a media report.
The police write a statement of facts and swear to it under oath before a judge signs it... if the judge thought it was enough, and they don't always, that's all the police need.
The so called "street hoods", also called CI's who are usually paid cash, are where the police get lots of great info, but CI's can be motivated to get rid of competition, or use the police to get some payback on an enemy.. which is why some agencies require separate and independent contacts.
This is only news because of the age of the old lady, and that she was a dead eye shot hitting 3 officers, there's NOTHING new or unusual about this warrant.
If you think using grannys house to slang is beyond the drug dealers, think again...