NationStates Jolt Archive

Miami Police Using Random "In-Your-Face" Tactics (http://www.lp.org/article_239.shtml)


On Monday, the Miami Police Department announced at a news conference that it will begin a new initiative, named "Miami Shield", to protect malls, banks, and other public places against potential terrorist attacks.

The new initiative is comprised of the Miami police using "show-of-force" tactics at random public places. Small groups of uniformed and plainclothes officers will patrol potential "soft targets" at random times, according to the Miami Herald. The initiative may for example, have officers surround a bank, check the identification of everyone entering and leaving, and hand out leaflets about terror threats, according to Deputy Police Chief Frank Fernandez.

Miami Police want the new "show-of-force" initiative to be highly visible. "People are definitely going to notice it," Fernandez said. "We want that shock. We want that awe. But at the same time, we don't want people to feel their rights are being threatened. We need them to be our eyes and ears."

Police Chief John Timoney admitted that his department has not received a specific, credible threat of an imminent terrorist attack in Miami. By using this random approach, Miami police hope to thwart terrorists who may be studying security patterns.

The Miami Police Department claims "Miami Shield" will be an effective, non-intrusive way to safeguard against terrorists. The initiative is more "show" than substance, more public relations than actual law enforcement. In all likelihood, the police initiative will only serve to inconvenience residents and create an intimidating atmosphere.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow. Personally, this sounds like in-your-face state intimidation.
I'm finding it hard to believe that we've gotten to the point where people will accept this kind of gestapo tactic.

If there's any defenders of "miami Sheild", I'd like to hear it, since Tampa may be next.

Heh heh, "in your face"...

Hmmm sounds more as if it's for the reassurance of citizens than the prevention of terrorism.

By using this random approach ...


Yeah.

Hmmm sounds more as if it's for the reassurance of citizens than the prevention of terrorism.

Yes... kind of like invading Iraq was.

And I don't think this kind of thing is right no matter what the motives.

Hmmm sounds more as if it's for the reassurance of citizens than the prevention of terrorism.
Reassurance? Sounds more like gross intimidation. I doubt these tactics do anything to prevent terrorism. "Here's my ID, sir".... BAM! *mushroom cloud*

Hmmm sounds more as if it's for the reassurance of citizens than the prevention of terrorism.
Think about it....being extremely invasive of your own people- to reassure them? Sounds a bit backwards to me.

I'm mighty glad I dont live there.

Seems to me that the US was going off the deep end with it's 'war on drugs', the 'war on terrorism' is merely the thicker end of the wedge...:rolleyes:

Wish they would do it in Los Angeles.

I work in the building that is the top target on the west coast, so yeah, I would be reassured...

I have my ID handy along with my building ID to enter the building anyway.

And I have no guns or explosives on me, so please, do it to me!

And they could have a female cop to frisk me every morning...;)

Alright, where can I go to get decent medical coverage, be able to toke when I want, be able to find a decent job, and if honestly needed be able to live off the land?

Think about it....being extremely invasive of your own people- to reassure them? Sounds a bit backwards to me.

Yes but only for those ungrateful communist bums who don't like law and order. Law abiding citizen will have all their fears relieved by watching swat teams rush into a bank in hope of capturing a terrorist randomly.

Yes but only for those ungrateful communist bums who don't like law and order. Law abiding citizen will have all their fears relieved by watching swat teams rush into a bank in hope of capturing a terrorist randomly.

Let's just hope that those terrorists do not start using random tactics themselves.

Yes but only for those ungrateful communist bums who don't like law and order. Law abiding citizen will have all their fears relieved by watching swat teams rush into a bank in hope of capturing a terrorist randomly.
Yup, cause you cant get better quality policing than the old 'random hit 'em till you dont miss' tactic. It's this kind of fine policing that proves how much better the intelligence agencies are working since 9/11 and how truely effective at identifying terrorists the Patriot Act is....;)

Miami Police want the new "show-of-force" initiative to be highly visible. "People are definitely going to notice it," Fernandez said. "We want that shock. We want that awe. But at the same time, we don't want people to feel their rights are being threatened. We need them to be our eyes and ears."

The Miami Police Department claims "Miami Shield" will be an effective, non-intrusive way to safeguard against terrorists.

BWAHAHAHAHA! :D

BWAHAHAHAHA! :D
Yup, the glaring contradictions are even more "In-Your-Face" than their gestapo tactics.

Miami Police Using Random "In-Your-Face" Tactics (http://www.lp.org/article_239.shtml)


On Monday, the Miami Police Department announced at a news conference that it will begin a new initiative, named "Miami Shield", to protect malls, banks, and other public places against potential terrorist attacks.

The new initiative is comprised of the Miami police using "show-of-force" tactics at random public places. Small groups of uniformed and plainclothes officers will patrol potential "soft targets" at random times, according to the Miami Herald. The initiative may for example, have officers surround a bank, check the identification of everyone entering and leaving, and hand out leaflets about terror threats, according to Deputy Police Chief Frank Fernandez.

Miami Police want the new "show-of-force" initiative to be highly visible. "People are definitely going to notice it," Fernandez said. "We want that shock. We want that awe. But at the same time, we don't want people to feel their rights are being threatened. We need them to be our eyes and ears."

Police Chief John Timoney admitted that his department has not received a specific, credible threat of an imminent terrorist attack in Miami. By using this random approach, Miami police hope to thwart terrorists who may be studying security patterns.

The Miami Police Department claims "Miami Shield" will be an effective, non-intrusive way to safeguard against terrorists. The initiative is more "show" than substance, more public relations than actual law enforcement. In all likelihood, the police initiative will only serve to inconvenience residents and create an intimidating atmosphere.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow. Personally, this sounds like in-your-face state intimidation.
I'm finding it hard to believe that we've gotten to the point where people will accept this kind of gestapo tactic.

If there's any defenders of "miami Sheild", I'd like to hear it, since Tampa may be next.
In an interview on CNN Timony said they won't be randomly checking ID. Only when they have probable cause will they demand ID.

In an interview on CNN Timony said they won't be randomly checking ID. Only when they have probable cause will they demand ID.
Whew, that's good news. That part really, really irritated me.
I'm still not comfortable with the 'in your face, but respecting your civil liberties" curiosity.

In an interview on CNN Timony said they won't be randomly checking ID. Only when they have probable cause will they demand ID.
So they only check the ID of Arab or North African males with oversized backpacks?

What's the point? Saving money on patrol cars?