Post by: wmenorr67 on July 24, 2008, 12:13:28 AM
Quote
Denver officials expect to spend more than $18 million on police equipment for the Democratic National Convention but the purchases apparently won't include high-tech weapons that use sonic waves to incapacitate protesters or goo guns to immobilize them.
That information, provided by the city to the American Civil Liberties Union as part of an agreement to delay a public records lawsuit, marks one of the most detailed looks yet at the super-secret efforts to provide security for the convention, scheduled Aug. 25 to 28.
The ACLU sued Denver in May under the state's public records law after city officials refused to provide documents showing how they were spending millions of dollars on police equipment.
"This budget overview reaffirms to the public our goal to provide the most effective and comprehensive security possible while maintaining an event that is inclusive and enjoyable for all," Mayor John Hickenlooper said in a statement issued by his office.
Denver police officials have been extremely circumspect in answering questions about either their security plans for the convention or their equipment purchases.
This afternoon, for example, Deputy Chief of Operations Michael Battista spoke in only general terms about equipment purchases when he was asked about them by City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz.
"I'm purchasing equipment that's going to protect my officers," Battista said.
Later, the city disclosed more details about its purchases, which currently are projected to come in at $18.2 million.
They will not include non-lethal weapons that use "slime" or "goo" to immobilize protesters or that use microwaves or sonic waves to induce pain or other discomfort. Some convention watchers had alleged that the city might purchase a weapon that would cause people to defecate.
That information, provided by the city to the American Civil Liberties Union as part of an agreement to delay a public records lawsuit, marks one of the most detailed looks yet at the super-secret efforts to provide security for the convention, scheduled Aug. 25 to 28.
The ACLU sued Denver in May under the state's public records law after city officials refused to provide documents showing how they were spending millions of dollars on police equipment.
"This budget overview reaffirms to the public our goal to provide the most effective and comprehensive security possible while maintaining an event that is inclusive and enjoyable for all," Mayor John Hickenlooper said in a statement issued by his office.
Denver police officials have been extremely circumspect in answering questions about either their security plans for the convention or their equipment purchases.
This afternoon, for example, Deputy Chief of Operations Michael Battista spoke in only general terms about equipment purchases when he was asked about them by City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz.
"I'm purchasing equipment that's going to protect my officers," Battista said.
Later, the city disclosed more details about its purchases, which currently are projected to come in at $18.2 million.
They will not include non-lethal weapons that use "slime" or "goo" to immobilize protesters or that use microwaves or sonic waves to induce pain or other discomfort. Some convention watchers had alleged that the city might purchase a weapon that would cause people to defecate.
I would tell the ACLU go to hell. And I wouldn't have told anyone about what was or wasn't going to be purchased. Why give anyone a chance to defeat something before you put it in place?
Post by: LadySmith on July 24, 2008, 12:52:36 AM
Post by: wmenorr67 on July 24, 2008, 01:12:44 AM
Post by: seeker_two on July 24, 2008, 01:28:50 AM
Post by: wmenorr67 on July 24, 2008, 01:33:29 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on July 24, 2008, 04:20:41 AM
Quote
Some convention watchers had alleged that the city might purchase a weapon that would cause people to defecate.
They're liberals. They already have a device that enables them to do that.
All that comes out of their mouths.
Post by: ilbob on July 24, 2008, 04:39:59 AM
I know I was. And at the sametime Denver or anyother city shouldn't have to divulge what they are going to use against rioters.
I think that specific tactics and stategy are potentially off limits, but what they are spending tax payer money on is not.One would think that goo guns and other non-lethal options would be preferable to the ACLU over lead.
Post by: wmenorr67 on July 24, 2008, 04:43:20 AM
I know I was. And at the sametime Denver or anyother city shouldn't have to divulge what they are going to use against rioters.
I think that specific tactics and stategy are potentially off limits, but what they are spending tax payer money on is not.One would think that goo guns and other non-lethal options would be preferable to the ACLU over lead.
No even the equipment is off limits. If you know the equipment in advance you can counter act the device. There are several pieces of equipment in the military arsenal that are classified for that very reason. Why shouldn't police forces be allowed to use the same rules?
Post by: Balog on July 24, 2008, 04:50:57 AM
In any case, I'm getting ready to enjoy the show at the convention. Here's hoping it's 68 redux.
Post by: coppertales on July 24, 2008, 06:00:14 AM
Post by: Scout26 on July 24, 2008, 07:58:38 AM
To keep the protesters away, all they need to do is re-broadcast the convention over loud speakers and all that spew would drive away anyone with half a brain......chris3
Yes, but all those with less then half a brain are drawn to it like bugs to a porch light.....Therein lies the problem......
Post by: Scout26 on July 24, 2008, 08:42:46 AM
Tell the truth...weren't you hoping to see that "poo gun" in action?
Yes, and then have Ned post about the "results" here on APS so that we all could then discuss it....
Post by: Antibubba on July 24, 2008, 08:53:20 PM
Post by: Regolith on July 24, 2008, 11:22:07 PM
