In 1972, a federal raid resulted in the death of Dirk Dickenson, who was shot by an agent while fleeing a cabin raid in Humboldt County. The agents, wearing informal clothing, claimed to be executing a drug bust but found no evidence. The Department of Justice ruled the shooting justifiable, but the local district attorney pursued charges against the agent. This legal pursuit led to the establishment of accountability measures for federal agents. Currently, a perception exists among Californians that local police cannot challenge federal actions when abuses occur.
The agents couldn't find the PCP lab or any evidence of a drug enterprise on the property, or inside a cabin without electricity or running water.
Clifton's indictment spurred a court fight, which ended up establishing a legal path for holding federal agents accountable for abuses.
The U.S. Department of Justice defended the federal agent, quickly declaring Dickenson's execution a justifiable homicide.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell advised officers that, when called to a scene where citizens allege federal abuses, all they can do is verify the ident.
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