Is it DU's view that law enforcement in NOLA should break into residences

[Guaranteed]

to make sure that they are either deserted, or all occupants are in good health?

I saw the reaction to the Hollingsworth story. I am not personally sure of my own position on this issue, but many people seemed to be against forced evacuation of residences, at least, when that previously came up. While these may be two different issues, privacy and autonomy factors are involved in both. Therefore, it was kind of surprising for me to see people here railing against FEMA's policy that rescuers were not to break into people's homes.

Is it just that they should be breaking into those homes where they actually see people in trouble through the windows, or should they be breaking into all homes?

Further, haven't they been breaking into all of these residences to check for people, in any case? I thought that searching each residence thoroughly was part of the protocol, to be followed by the markings on the outside of each residence.

Or was it just the local law enforcement that was doing that?

What am I missing, here?

[texpatriot2004]

1. The man was still alive, barely. He was losing consciousness.

I think they did the right thing.

[Guaranteed]

2. It's pretty clear that they did the right thing.

But the reaction seen here was against the FEMA policy.

[ladylibertee]

3. All politics aside. I think that now, because of the amount of time ..

that has gone by,they should. I was watching CNN or MSNBC (yes I flip flop between the two)and I heard a report about someone who heard the knock, but was too weak to answer them. As a result, they died while waiting to be rescued.So, I think they should go into the homes now. It's been what, 15 days now? For the sake of those people, yes I think they should.Enlighten me, how long can a human go without food as opposed to how long they can go without water?

[applegrove]

4. You would think they have a database at this point of all houses.

Of which had been checked. Which were safe from water. Which have possible missings. Which have had nobody walk inside and were surrounded by water. We know they know this by neighbourhood. They should check all the houses. If you do not want someone to come into your house during an emergency then answer their call.

Otherwise - by law - I'm sure they have the right to enter.


I am so tired of every decision being looked at through the prism of private property. Not during an emergency. Nobody does it during an emergency.

[Guaranteed]

12. It's a privacy issue, and an autonomy issue.

It's not a "no trespassing issue."

[applegrove]

15. I seem to be lumping the whole privacy, property, individualism into

one bag tonight. Sorry.

[chalky]

5. The protocol has changed. FEMAs new rule: Knock, wait for an answer, then

keep moving if you don't hear anything.

Per the article:
If they see a body, they are supposed to log the address and move on.

So here's the million dollar question--If someone is as incapacitated as Mr. Hollingsworth, will they be mistaken for dead if the rescuers are just looking in at them through the window?

[KT2000]

6. People could be in very bad shape

like Mr. Hollingsworth. The odds of that are great.
If there are dead people in the house, just when will they be removed if not during the door to door searches?
Will they bulldoze the houses with bodies inside?

I see on tv where they are breaking in but maybe those are old pics.

Anyway - yes I think they need to break in.

[expatriate]

7. If I were in one of those houses,

sick, hurt, weakened by lack of food, unable to answer the door - you bet I'd want them to break in.

I know there are issues of privacy, and also issues of security, if they broke in on someone who might use force against them - but the Hollingsworth case has made it obvious that it's very likely there are people who are still alive, but unable to call out for help. They need to search the houses. It could mean more lives saved.

[Old and In the Way]

8. I think the rules change somewhat when a place experiences a

Cat.5 hurricane and a devastating flood. The health and safety of the people would seem to override privacy concerns in these kind of catastrophic events.

A search warrant isn't feasible....but I wouldn't think any contraband seized in such crcumstances would be admissable evidence, either.

[Guaranteed]

10. What do you think of forced evacuation? nt

[hlthe2b]

9. Preserve life first and then property... Bust em open if unsure...

If you ask me.

I think they modified the policy when a lot of property owners became concerned about vandalism of their property. The fact is that most of them aren't going back to these properties for s very long time if ever. I'm sure it has taken a while for that to sink in. So, it is not likely that much can be salvaged to begin with, and that that could may easily be stolen. Sadly, it just is not going to be possible to avoid in every instance.

But, better a few pissed off homeowners than to risk missing someone who could have been saved and that includes pets.

[donheld]

11. If it were me

I'd be grateful if they broke in and found me, alive or dead. As long as there is hope and even afterward. Even if it would be to collect the remains, don't let me just rot.

[Must_B_Free]

13. Who is DU?

a bunch of people with a bunch of different opinions?

I love when people homogenize a full spectrum.

DU has many views.

[Guaranteed]

14. I only put it that way because every single response

in the thread I read was coming from the same point of view. I didn't see anyone pointing out possible inconsistencies.

[kath]

16. "I thought that searching each residence thoroughly was part of the

protocol."

So did I. So did most people,probably. But clearly that has not been the case, which is absolutely shameful.
Saying "yoo-hoo, anybody there?" is clearly not a thorough search.

Lives before property, dammit.

[tyedyeto]

17. Why not take some locksmiths along so property...

won't be damaged? Then, if no one is in the home, it can be locked again when they leave.

[LostinVA]

18. I am so divided on this -- I agree with the evacuees when

They say they are pissed about people breaking into their houses, since it'll make robbing their house that much easier. But if it could save a human or animal life.... *sigh*

[fed-up]

19. EVERY House should be entered & checked-there's been enough needless death

IF just one lived is saved (and one already has) by entering a locked residence it is worth it.

Every house should be entered and a full sweep, including the attic should be done. How else will they find others that are passed out or too weak to call for help??? What if the person in the house is deaf or mute???

What if a residence had been locked up when the owner's left and then some survivor managed to get in and use it as a shelter while waiting for help and then passed out from dehydration, exhaustion or injuries???

Put the PEOPLE FIRST!!!

I can't believe the orders they were given, property rights be damned during this catastophic event.

This is a NO-brainer!

Edited to add that this topic should be nominated and kicked.

Also people should be calling, emailing, writing to FEMA/NG/media etc to demand that the search for survivors is THOROUGH and COMPLETE!!!