The Region : Gates Praises Ruling on Battering Ram

Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates has praised a judge for refusing to ban the use of the Police Department’s controversial battering ram. In a prepared statement, Gates said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Irving Shimer “demonstrated remarkable insight” in rejecting the ban sought by the American Civil Liberties Union. “The court recognized that the unique crime problem posed by ‘rock houses’ (reinforced cocaine-peddling establishments) calls for unique solutions, and to work, our laws must be flexible enough to consider new ideas.” Meanwhile, members of the Los Angeles Police Commission said that the battering ram only will be used under strict guidelines.