flashbangs are warranted when there is a high threat profile. The problem is that a 'raid' doesn't rise to the level of 'high threat profile.' The problem isn't the police tactics, it's a problem of bad risk management. Police have been considering all manner of crimes 'raid worthy.' If SWAT was going after known dangerous and armed gang members or they were in a hostage situation, flashbangs might be the right tactic; it would depend on the threat profile and pre-raid intelligence. SpecOps operators rarely just blast into a room. Oftentimes there are eyes on the target, including surveillance to determine the threat profile. Cops could have very easily just staked out the house and grabbed the guy when he walked outside. But that isn't as 'sexy' and suiting up in full battle rattle and rappelling from the roof tossing flashbangs, and kicking in doors.

While the drug war is a big prt of this, the larger problem is the lack of meaningful and audited protocols for various situations.

Going after a guy with weed should require a much different approach than taking down a meth lab. Though, a flashbang in a meth lab would be a sight to see.