by francopoli

1985

The resulting explosions ignited a fire that eventually destroyed approximately 65 nearby houses. The firefighters, who had earlier deluge-hosed the MOVE members in a failed attempt to evict them from the building, stood by as the fire caused by the bomb engulfed the first house and spread to others, having been given orders to let the fire burn. Despite the earlier drenching of the building by firefighters, officials said that they feared that MOVE would shoot at the firefighters. Eleven people (John Africa, five other adults and five children aged 7 to 13) died in the resulting fire and more than 250 people were left homeless. Ramona Africa, one of the two survivors, stated that police fired at those trying to escape.

Then we get into Waco where the police used an armored vehicle to end the 51 day seige.

We can also talk about the over militarization of the civilian police force, but that conversation won't happen. We can also talk about how the war on drugs ramped up the siege mentality of police agencies in inner cities during the 80's and 90's.

I now, through a twist of fate, have cop acquaintances. Sort of weirds me out to think about it. Mention Community Policing and you can see the rectums constrict. But as I see it from where I sit, unless there is a push to demilitarize, teach de-escallation as a first response, push community policing to make the cops a part of the neighborhoods and end the war on drugs, this nonsense is going to continue.

Sadly, a lot of people are going to get killed before anything changes. On both sides.