Why public funded police is a problem # 125

Austin American-Statesman had a great article yesterday called "A call for police about a possible suicide, then a murder: Police left ex-boyfriend to watch apartment before he ambushed and killed man, then himself".

The story goes like this: August 1, 2004, Shawn Barnard makes a 911 call and tells the operator that he broke up with Staci Bovill who was depressed and suicidal and she had tried to call herself before. Two officers arrived on the scene and kicked open the door, didn't find anyone. Barnard stays behind pretending to fix the door and then hides inside when the officers leave. When Bovill comes home with her new boyfriend Alex Hopgood, she is about to go into her apartment (even though the door was unlocked) and then Barnard pops out, who confronts Hopgood. Barnard then shoots Hopgood and then kills himself.

[Your friendly, duty-bound tax dollars at work -- in this case, "for whom?" is a good question.]

So here's Austin police policy (according to the paper):

Austin: Officers must first try to make contact with the person whose welfare is in question. If they have a reasonable belief that a person's life is in danger, they may make a forced entry with a supervisor's approval. Assistant Police Chief Robert Dahlstrom said officers generally try to find an alternative means for entering, such as an unlocked door or window. They may then leave the property in the care of a neighbor, friend or family member.

(How many security holes can you find in this paragraph? I see at least one in every sentence.)

[Updated 2006-Mar-30 the facts based on Staci's comment: thanks for your response! Also note my SCOTUS comment on 2005-Jun-27.]