is this for real???
DJ Pentagon/Sniper -2: Must Avoid Breaching Posse Comitatus
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Federal law enforcement officials have asked the Pentagon to look at the possibility of providing surveillance and reconnaissance equipment to aid in the search for the sniper who has been terrorizing the Washington, D.C., suburbs, Cable News Network reported Tuesday.
No final decision has been made, the report said, but the Defense Department has put together a package of ideas about what type of assets might be used in the already massive law enforcement effort.
Civilian law enforcement officials would work hand-in-hand with military operators in order to avoid breaching the doctrine of posse comitatus, which limits the use of the military for civilian law enforcement.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Genl. Richard Myers would have to sign an "execute order" that would allow use of the equipment in this context. If that happens, the Pentagon may acknowledge its involvement, but CNN said details are likely to be closely held.
-By Steven C. Higgins, Dow Jones Newswires; 1-201-938-4370; steve.higgins@dowjones.com
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 10-15-02
12:37 PM
DJ Pentagon/Sniper -3: Decision Could Come Tue - Fox
Fox News reported that Rumsfeld might reach a decision on the request as early as Tuesday afternoon.
According to Fox, the military equipment could include Predator drones, an unmanned plane which has been used recently in Afghanistan.
Military helicopters could also be used, the report said.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 10-15-02 |
