Replies

Enterprise, thanks for the details, much appreciated.

Impeach98: In message #94 posted on 08/12/2003 10:36 PM PDT, the following observation was made and questions asked:

You lose evidence as each day goes by. Who went to the Sheraton to check their security cameras and angles? Same for the Convention Center... they have cameras that view J Street in both directions. SPD has in car cameras and when the overheads come on, so does the camera... may have clearer video of faces (for identification) than the media and an unobstructed view. Anyone ask?

Thanks to a former FReeper and PDN member, the Convention Center security office reveiwed their video tapes for the morning of the incident. The event wasn't recorded. The camera that could have zoomed in, is a pan/tilt/zoom remote and was not aimed in that direction at the time.

It also seems the first police presence was a civilian Community Service Officer who was observing at a distance. Even though they drive a standard marked patrol car, I don't know if they are authorized to use the in-car camera without a request and there was none noted on the call. (Assuming the car was so equipped)

Two calls were made to SPD, one from Sheratan Security and the other a cell phone transfer from CHP. The latter is another lesson to be learned by our people when protesting. Cellphone 911 calls most often go to CHP and have to be manually trasferred to the local police. They often get lost or there's a delay. The Emergency number for SPD is 264-5151 That should be programmed into every cell phone before an event (or the emergency number for the local police/sheriff agency where the protest is to be held)

Thanks for the kind words. You can never assume anything in these incidences. Here is what I would consider a general check list if people are going to protest or demonstrate.

1. If necessary, and if you can afford it, hire armed security guards - that is, if the security company will allow it. Do not assume at all that the police will be there to keep order or protect you or your rights.

2. Have plenty of videotape cameras with sound on hand. Have some people off at a distance who are not being observed who can secretly videotape the happenings from different angles. Never assume that the police will get it right, which is why it is so important to have as many cameras rolling as possible. Also, expect some of the cameras to be destroyed by the opposition. Note: In the event of a major incident, try not to turn over any tapes to the police until after copies are made. But if they know you have it, and demand it and threaten you with arrest, turn it over.

3. Per your information, make sure that all persons with cell phones know the local police number. You are correct on the 911 calls. Many times they are routed first to CHP and they get lost in the transfer.

4. Have everyone who can afford it carry first aid kits in the vehicles.

5. You must assume that the liberal press will be biased against you in any incident. Select a "Public Information Officer" who can issue a press release or call a press conference to give your side of the story when the liberal media distorts the truth, and they will!

6. Protect Jim Robinson. In any given public gathering of FreePers, it is ok to mention that you are members. Never give the impression that FreeRepublic is the organizer unless it is a fact. The liberal media would like nothing better than to point at FreeRepublic to assign blame for an incident.

7. Carry no weapons for self defense other than what is legally allowable like mace or pepper spray. If you use it lawfully it will be recorded on tape. If you use it unlawfully, that too will be on tape. Be careful!