Posse Comitatus

Historically literate Americans will find something alarming in this headline:

Gov.: New Orleans crime calls for military presence

This, of course, would violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which, among other things, prohibits troops under Federal control from fighting crime on American soil, unless a special provision is made by Congress for such.

National Guard troops who are under the authority of a Governor, however, can be an adjunct to the civilian police force.