It doesnt matter what show on T.V. the writer's always manage to plug their dislike for the Patriot Act. I understand that it is unpopular leglislation among most in the country, however I find it hard to believe that cops would complain about it. Yet just like in tonights episode there were two referances to it. One was a cute little quip, and the second came from Bobby after Eams asked about a search warrant. Bobby mocked that it was a current terrorist investigation. With a sarcastic little smile on his face. So through this quite boring episode, the writers decided to plug some irregular political motive. Whether or not you as the veiwer support the Patriot Act, which personally I am against. I get tired of cops on T.V. complaining about it, while they are investigating a crime. Leave that for the lawyers who actually have the place to bash it.

I noticed that too. I wouldn't think a cop would mind considering they get to search people without a warrant.

Sounds like the "Good Ole' Boy" system to me, IMO! K-Rod

Perhaps, but they could still think that it was unfair.

Well, I think that, like every one else, some cops like it and some don't.

For example, the cops in New Mexico seem to HATE it pretty unilaterally... since they publicly objected to it and refused to endorse it. They were actively helping librarians break it, etc, and even sent out memos saying that the federal government would have to physically show up to inforce it. I'm talking about NM State Troopers mostly.

It's possible that the writers assumed that it was a more national phenomenon, and the NM Staties are a smaller organization and therefore popular sentiment would be more obvious from the outside.

Well, the Patriot's Act is a slippery slope. If not meted with balance, it could become Orwellian, or even scarier. I understand it's intended purpose, but absolute power seems to corrupt absolutely..IJS that I think this is why Hollywood and apparently the people of New Mexico, et. al., aren't too friendly towards it. IMO

Noted here, too. I imagine there are more writers than cops who hate the Patriot Act, just mho.


spook

Hmmm. I am not that scared of the Patriot Act. It doesnt give law enforcement, new powers it just stream lines them. Bypasses certain judicial review. The reason I am against it, is that the laws already on the books were good enough. They were just not utilized correctly because batteling terrorism on the homefront is still a new approach. That piece of leglislation was a bi-partisan knee jerk reaction. I am confused as to why the writers for L&O would throw these bits in an episode. If you pay attention the way that they write, how their detectives are always walking the line of breaking the 4th admendment. So do the writers not like the 4th admendment? Or is it that they write passionate detectives who sole purpose is to lock up the criminals. My point as to why these referances were indeed out of character for the most part.

I think the 4th amendment is the most contested and disputed in criminal law. I also think what you said about the patriot act "bypassing certain judicial review" is the main bone of contention, and I don't disagree with your opinion about the bi-partisan knee-jerk reaction legislation....