Raid revives debate in Georgia over ‘no-knock’ warrants | Times Free Press

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday he’s open to discussing whether legislative changes are necessary regarding “no-knock” warrants, but wants to see first the results of an investigation into a recent case involving a Georgia toddler hurt in a police raid.

The debate over “no-knock” warrants is not new. There was a bipartisan effort by lawmakers in 2007 to tighten rules for such warrants, which are intended to protect officers from dangerous suspects while preventing evidence tampering. The effort, which failed, was prompted by a 2006 case in which an elderly Atlanta woman was killed in a shootout with police while they were executing a “no-knock” warrant at her home.

“It would be one of those things that I would be open to if there is sufficient evidence to indicate that it needs to be revisited and more appropriate standards and requirements put in place,” Deal said, adding he would want to make sure the law enforcement community was involved in any discussion on the issue.

Deal also said it might be something he refers to his Criminal Justice Reform Council for review, but cautioned he wants to hear the results of an investigation into the May 28 police raid in which 19-month-old Bounkham Phonesavanh was severely injured by a flash grenade that landed in his playpen at home in Cornelia. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the case, and the boy’s family has asked for a federal probe.

via Raid revives debate in Georgia over ‘no-knock’ warrants | Times Free Press.