[thornofmight]

Does anyone know how they justify this type of violent entrance for a non-violent offender?

[chc]

Many nonviolent crimes are commonly associated with potential for violence. For example, selling meth is not a violent act, but betting that a meth dealer is a level-headed pacifist is not a very safe wager. (I am not really agreeing with the indiscriminate use of violence out there — just explaining the most logical rationale I've heard.)

[mcherm]

They don't justify it. They just do it.

[rasz_pl]

Raging hardon from all the adrenaline gushing in while storming the castle playing G.I. Joes with people lives - thats the justification.

[mikeash]

You never know, he might grab a gun and start shooting if you give him a chance.

Not saying it's right, but I think that's the reasoning.

[scott_karana]

And that's why all police officers are already armed with pistols.

A no-knock warrant with holstered pistols would be entirely reasonable in a residential, non-violent crime conviction, don't you think? (Well, I would debate the no-knock part :)

[tripzilch]

> Does anyone know how they justify this type of violent entrance for a non-violent offender?

With the stick.