>There is NO reason, rationalization, or justification for the existence of paramilitary units equipped with black uniforms, face masks, full body armor, assault weapons, explosives, and armored vehicles at the local or county level.<
That is like saying that there is no reason for a citizen to be armed.
The weapons out on the streets are generally much more dangerous than what street police officers are issued.
The gear, tactics and equipment used is seriously necessary in some cases. I don;t always agree with using SWAT teams, but in some cases it is a must. If not you would have cops dropping like flies and then you would see the use of force continuum change through the courts drastically.
I have the distinct feeling if you ever had to execute a warrant on a real posse or blood / crip gang hold out, having to avoid booby traps, anti personnel devices and face gunfire, you would feel the same way as your statement says.
I completely disagree. Far too often the available gear determines the tactics. In the absence of the gear the local LEOs would use more measured tactics. It might take longer and have far less adrenaline and testosterone involved but would probable come to the same conclusion.
"I have the distinct feeling if you ever had to execute a warrant on a real posse or blood / crip gang hold out, having to avoid booby traps, anti personnel devices and face gunfire, you would feel the same way as your statement says."
I experienced too many opposed, hot LZ insertions with the intent of doing far more damage than serving a warrant to appreciate your condescension. If containment and negotiations do not work and breaching a perimeter is absolutely necessary it should be a State function done by an elite force of trained soldiers, not the local LEOs hopped up on Red Bull and Krispy Kremes.