The Region - News from Feb. 22, 1985

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit in Superior Court to stop the Los Angeles Police Department from using a motorized battering ram and explosive devices to break into suspected drug “rock houses.” Such actions violate state and federal constitutional protections against excessive force, violation of privacy and unreasonable search and seizure, ACLU attorney Jane Howarth said at a press conference. Howarth said she would not object to the use of the battering ram and explosive devices against a sniper or person who has taken hostages. But the suit said the devices create “such a substantial risk of serious injury or death” that their use must be restricted. Howarth said the ACLU is gathering evidence to enable lawyers to seek an injunction against use of the tactics “in the near future.”