Who's side are you on, anyway?

First, I want to say welcome to Orange Jeep Dad. I've seen him around the neighborhood and am proud to have him as a reader. Thanks, Bubba. As the man with the top hat says, "sit down, have some popcorn and enjoy the show".


Now... to the topic. I just finished watching Sons of Guns on the DVR and was a little worried by the end of the show. Now let me first say that I watch this show for the entertainment value and the hope that I may pick up some knowledge here and there. Never know when you may need some little tidbit you picked up(I have found that I learn best by watching; I tend to remember everything I see-show me how and I'll be doing it in five minutes). And before you say it...yes I know that the owner seems to be a major jackass at times in handling his people. I expect a great deal of those I work with, but sometimes he could use a different tact; I have often though that if he used his tone or language with me that I'd tell him to get bent. Anyway, the RedJacket crew was building a non-lethal crowd control vehicle for the New Orleans PD, based on a Ferret Armored car that they already owned. They added numerous tear gas grenade launchers and a water turret. Not bad, huh? But then they remounted a Browning 1919 .30 machine gun that the NOPD had in stock also. Now, maybe I heard wrong, but I thought this thing was NON-LETHAL. They said it would serve as an intimidator. The hell you say. I'd like to see the SOP on loading up the 30 cal for crowd control at Mardi Gras. And yes, I saw the part about them building this after the NOLA Halloween night shooting, but when did the PDs of America start using a 600 rd/min machine gun to INTIMIDATE? To be honest it sent a cold chill down my spine. I understand that during Katrina their officers were shot at in their patrol cars, and I get that. I do. Use the armored type vehicle to get around safely and help those out who need it; tell me this-what happens when Officer Joe Bag O'donuts, who has 8 months on the force, gets a little scared by folks bouncing a beer bottle off of the armored hull during INTIMIDATION duty and cuts loose with the old 1919? I watched the LA bank robbery on tv, live, as it happened back in '97. I know that today's officers need more firepower to combat that kind of threat and I don't begrudge them one bit. I have friends that are cops and I want them to have every thing they need to protect themselves, and me; but a freakin' Browning 30 cal? Are you serious? I kept asking myself,"who's side are these RedJacket guys on?". Damn. Once again it seems that our PDs across the US are turning into para-military organizations that bust doors first and ask questions much later. How many times have you heard that one lately? If there are any LEOs out there that think I'm way off base, please let me know. Maybe it's just me being paranoid; you guys tell me what you think. Mull it over and have a good 'un.