http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/denver-wont-use-sound-wave-or-goo-weapons-conventi/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.
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?
