Buffalo calls out the (SWAT) troops

Radley Balko reports on the recent drug raids in Buffalo, NY:

It'll be interesting to see how many of the 78 people arrested actually get charged and convicted. From the 38 SWAT raids, police seized a total of five guns, not exacty a data point in support of the argument that SWAT teams are necessary because drug dealers are overwhelmingly armed with high-powered weaponry.

Also, given that police seized a grand total six pounds of marijuana and seven ounces of crack in the entire operation, it's probably a bit of a stretch to say the raids "put a dent" in the Buffalo drug trade. I'd imagine you'd find that much weed in a single SUNY-Buffalo frat house.

Bringing the media along for the ride was a nice touch, though.

I wonder if the Buffalo police department budget is up for review in the near future . . . it would explain the friendly inclusion of the local media on the raids: good publicity usually works well for getting support to increase the police budget.