HEADS UP for Saturday: AP: New Protest Monitoring Law Getting First Test

[jackstraw45]

This is a good thing, no?

New Protest Monitoring Law Getting First Test in DC
DERRILL HOLLY
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new law that sets standards for the way city police handle demonstrators gets put to the test this week.

The Office of Police Complaints will monitor how District of Columbia officers handle expected protests against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. (SIC)

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''We'll be wearing navy blue T-shirts with the word 'Observer' in capital letters on the back,'' said Eure. They will also be carrying credentials identifying them as OPC staffers.

The new law prohibits officers from encircling demonstrators without probable cause, using wrist to ankle restraints on nonviolent protesters, and using tear gas and pepper spray on peaceful demonstrators. It also restricts officers from wearing riot gear to an assembly unless there is a danger of violence.

http://www.officer.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=25968

[CheshireCat]

1. When was this law passed?

How did I miss it?

[jackstraw45]

2. Read the article...looks like a DC law

"The law was passed after a D.C. Council committee found that members of the Metropolitan Police Department took pre-emptive steps to quell demonstrations on at least two occasions over the past five years.

''They engaged in mass false, illegal arrests and they used police lines to disrupt, trap and detain peaceful, lawful protesters,'' said Mara Verheyden-Hilliard a partnership lawyer. The group still has numerous lawsuits pending in federal court over police treatment during demonstrations in 2000 and 2002."

[RSchewe]

3. Indeed it is a good thing. Maybe they learned something from Isreal

when they removed their fellow citizens from Gaza.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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[spuddonna]

5. My prediction: The Blackhawks and NG will be there...

...and so will the "Observers".

Now, what would be really funny is if the NG start arresting the Observers along with demonstrators...

I'm into irony... :evilgrin:

[leftchick]

6. I think this is a good thing

accountability if things go wrong, which I hope they won't. I am steering clear of those WB/IMF folks when I see them.