Up Scope: Posse Comitatus Submarines and our Quote of the Week

Posse comitatus (the power of the county) refers to the authority of county sheriffs to conscript able-bodied males to keep the peace or arrest felons. The power exists in states that have not repealed it by statute. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of U.S. troops for civil duties like domestic law enforcement short a declaration of martial law. The Act provides two exceptions: those expressly authorized by the Constitution; and those Congress expressly authorizes. For instance, Congress expressly authorized the Coast Guard to carry out drug law law enforcement duties during peacetime.

LAPD Chief Davis announced that besides his army and air force, next year he would be needing a navy, as well. He had proposed buying a police submarine, because Navy submarines were off limits to his department. Quote of the Week:

I think America is lacking in men with, if I may use the term, male go-nads, men who are willing to stand up and fight for what they believe is right. - LAPD Chief Edward Michael Davis; June 22, 1970

The Navy and Marine Corps were subsequently brought under the Posse Comitatus Act by DoD Directive 5525.5 (1986, as amended 1989) and by Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5820.7B (1988). Has that ended discussions of police submarines? Of course not:

1- November 17, 2006 - NJ State Police Use Yellow Submarine in Fight Against Terrorism

2- October 15, 2007 - Police Submariner Submarine Badge

3- November 6, 2007 - Police Submarine video:

Police Submarine - The most popular videos are here