csteele,

I can't take you seriously when you make no effort to read and comprehend replies and as well, claim that it was just luck, a 'roll of the dice' that resulted in the bomber arrests.

That is just silly.

Back to Oz, here is a news item which might give you cause to review your previous opinion that no police would ever stray from the straight and narrow because they have punishments for breaking any rules,

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cop-faces-corruption-gun-and-drug-charges-20130420-2i6np.html

Of course I was talking about the systemic faults in the operational procedures and lack of adequate, robust management controls affecting the confidentiality of data held on lawful, licensed firearms owners There will always be deliberate breaches as well, which given the paucity of controls over the said firearms licensing and registration information, could easily result in the full gamut of personal particulars name of all licensed owners to be publicised to criminals.

In a way it is thankful that criminals have their own supplies of guns for their drug business enforcement and are not bothered to pursue those of private owners.

Dear onthebeach,

This is real easy my friend. Whatever explanation you are now giving for your words it is completely hollow without you retracting the very serious allegation that “the very gun registration that is supposed to prevent crime is the likely source of information for thefts. Any cop can access that data on all owners, what is held and where, and without leaving a trace of his query.”

Are the police the “the likely source of information for thefts” or not? Simple. Retract and we can move on. Don't and be judged by your statement.

Good afternoon folks...

Concerning the media and any practical part they may play in assisting, hindering, or inciting a crime or the commission of a crime, is quite valid in my opinion. In my time, I cannot ever recall where the media and coppers were ever cosy bedfellows, rather the contrary unfortunately.

Before the time specialist media advisors were appointed, there was often a senior person identified who could both present well, and was particularly articulate, and he/she would 'carry the can' for most of the stuff (more policy announcements) the Commissioner could deflect their way !

Today, they have a whole department full of former journalists and presenters, who both understood media, and were familiar with many of the 'heavy hitters' in the various News Corporations.

Make no mistake, media are enormously powerful and influential, and can literally 'eat' the average copper for breakfast.

It's for this reason I thoroughly condemn Dr Savage for the intemperate remarks he made the other day. Even today, he further compounded the issue by recommending a shotgun as a preferred option ! This is the man with a reported listening audience of 11 million people, in a land that by all accounts, absolutely worships firearms, almost to the point of veneration.

And will cling unrelentingly to their absolute right to possess and use their F/A's. To a point beyond that of ordinary reason, even an abnormality perhaps ? With many gun owners (similar to some that I've encountered), their need to possess and use their guns, has become almost obsessional, moving irrevocably to the far side of unrestrained mania ? Very very worrying for police ?

Another thing, he (obscurely) tried to link the new MA gun laws (post Sandy Hook) to the Bombing ? By claiming the culprit's chose Boston as an easier target, ostensibly because MA was the least prepared State in the lower forty eight, to accommodate a Bombing incident ? Interesting really, considering the number of gun manufacturers, both in MA & CT. Springfield MA, the home of S & W, and other ancillary parts producers.

Dear o sung wu,

In my opinion these three videos demonstrate some of the issues law enforcement face in trying to protect the citizens in their jurisdictions in the US while balancing the rights of gun toters.

The first two are self recorded interactions with officers when being challenged over open carry of weapons. Two different approaches and outcomes. The third is a news reports of two people doing a down town walk with firearms, the fear they cause, and surprisingly for me the camouflage head gear worn by one of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rih1ogXCxAs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8r4MK3R4PI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbvkw-_-DVc

Besides being interested on your take of the above the question I have for you, as a former police officer, is how much more difficult, if at all, would this make the job for law enforcement within Australia if these 'freedoms' were extended here?

Tony

'You like people who agree with you and you hate everyone that disagrees with you'

No doubt you are omniscience and can name these people I hate.

csteele,

You are ignorant of the basics of the firearms laws in Australia and of the procedures used by the firearms registries and in stations. No-one can educate you on that and your relative is a poor source or you have not asked the right questions.

Your idiotic mission was to somehow link the terrorist bombings in the US with gun control. You failed.