SWAT is an excellent example of using (para)military resources while acting as a exceptionally trained police force. When have you last seen SWAT use a mortar in a hostage situation?
The point is to respond accordingly to the threat and the situation.
If there's some loonie on the lose driving a tank of course they'll call the national guard and use anti-tank launchers if the situation requires it.
If the same loonie however has exited the tank and retreated to the woods or escaped to a safehouse there's no more need for anti-tank weaponry and SWAT will go in with MP5s and M3s instead of LAWs and air support from AH64s.
It's not only safer for the public, but also more cost-effective
One thing that extremely bothered me with the Israeli approach has always been the assassination of confirmed but not convicted terrorist leaders (especially when done with combat helicopters).
Ask yourself: "Would Chicago (and the US) have been better off if Al Capone had been shelled with artillery at his estate or during an opera visit?"
[ 05-24-2004, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Faceman ]