Langford v. Superior Court

Opinion

MOSK, J.

We granted review in this case to determine whether the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) should be enjoined from using a motorized battering ram and pyrotechnic explosive devices known as “flash-bangs” to execute searches of so-called “rock houses,” which are specially fortified residential dwellings where crystallized “rock” cocaine is made and sold. As will appear, we are persuaded that the unregulated use of the motorized battering ram, but not the flashbangs, poses a significant and unusual threat to property and public safety that may, unless subject to judicial…