Trickle-down Leadership In Action?

I'm not so sure. Have you looked at videos that people have made of police officers, border patrol etc who have ignored basic constitutional rights?

Its very alarming to see what's now being done.

On top of that, what about the militarization of law enforcement on the local level?

What about the militarization of Homeland Security and its activities, that are bordering on encroachment and going beyond their mandate?

True MAJ Derrick J., there are many cases where law enforcement has overstepped their bounds but in most cases, from what I have seen they are called on the carpet for it. Yes there has to be more in place to prevent these actions in the first place. As for the "militarization" of law enforcement I believe it is necessary in response to the pending threat. Law enforcement has to have the tools to deal with the modern weapons that are out there on the streets. If there is anything unconstitutional about what or how they are doing it, then I would hope that state's court system is investigating it.

I think the more serious problem here with the militarization of law enforcement and giving the various agencies "SWAT" (paramilitary) capabilities is, it creates a WE vs THEM mentality which eliminates the primary role of LE as SERVANTS to the public, for the public good.

The individuals of these departments then become the bringers of "hurt" on criminals and innocents alike.

Wait till you get to see a Homeland Security stop on a federal highway, "just because they want to." The overreach on basic rights happens more often than not, and when it doesn't, the potential is still present.

Major Derrick, sir, you seem to be very passionate about this. But there are two sides (actually three if you count the truth).

Law enforcement is just that. They enforcement laws, local, state, federal. They must enforce those with the tools available. Many of the organized criminal element are very sophisticated and as such the LE must meet and surpass this (much like our military does against our enemies). The biased news media only shows us the bad (bad news sells), they rarely report the good stuff that the police do.

As far as growing and becoming more than the law... Some would same thing about the FBI during prohibition or the Marshals of the old west. Where is the balance between protect and serve? If I take away your weapon can you fight wars? No of course not, the same goes for the local police. Besides many are Veterans, and the sheriffs associations and other such organization have openly disagreed with violations on people rights.

So yes, there is a perceived militarization of the police, and yes there are many who see the police as an arm to strip people of the rights. But there are many who are merely using the tools at their disposal to perform a service much like the military.

There are those in the military who do wrong and take things to the extreme does that mean every soldier does? Just like not all Germans were NAZIs not all law enforcement officials are bad.