may I voice a concern w/o being labeled

[littlewolf]

a concerned troll?

I understand why Boston PD did what they did in reference to house to house
searches. However Martial Law had not be declared, no search warrants
(to my knowledge) had been issued, also I have not heard if anything
was taken during these searches. IMHO this is a somewhat slippery slope.
Am I reading to much into this or not, anyone?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Here

An exigent circumstance, in the American law of criminal procedure, allows law enforcement to enter a structure without a search warrant, or if they have a "knock and announce" warrant, without knocking and waiting for refusal under certain circumstances. It must be a situation where people are in imminent danger, evidence faces imminent destruction, or a suspect will escape

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exigent_circumstance_in_United_States_law

It is rare that is done in such a large area, think f it as hot pursuit

[hlthe2b]

2. They don't need a search warrant if the resident agrees, which is what happened.

Had they discovered something that suggested the possible presence of the bomber suspects or had reason to believe the resident was speaking under duress (being held captive), they could have entered with what is known as "exigent circumstances".

They certainly weren't concerned with anybody's pot stash, if that's what you are thinking...even if they had encountered drugs (and WANTED to pursue it), it would be unlikely they could (court would throw out), given the scope of their efforts was limited to the apprehension of the bombing suspects.

[gateley]

3. I'm thinking most of these people welcomed their presence (after they hid the

pot plants, of course )

[longship]

4. Also, they were looking for a human.

So they looked only in hidey-hole sized places, like closets, etc. They were in a hurry to find that guy and to get through the twenty square blocks of houses.

As was reported on the televisionary set.

[rightsideout]

5. Sorry, but you've been labeled

As a Mac User! And I'm all for that.

I don't know about house to house searches though. I think most people obliged because their safety was at risk.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

6. I have not heard if exigent circumstances were invoked

There were no reports of doors being kicked in, so I am assuming it was with permission only

[MacMcLean]

7. There were instances

When people refused to let them in, they just asked a few questions and did a perimeter search and went on there way