Policing demonstrations - reflections from Seattle

mikehit (e2 Member)

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29 Nov 2011 - 11:58 AM

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This article makes interesting reading. It is from One Mr Stamper who was police chief in Seattle at the time of the 1999WTO conference and was responsible for policing the anti-globalism demonstrations

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15929017



Quote:

He blames what he calls the militarisation of the police in America.
...
In the years following 9/11, the federal government provided military equipment to police forces across the country and instilled in them a military mindset, all in the name of homeland security, the former police chief says.
...
"The intentions are easily understood but it was a hopelessly misguided policy," he says.
...
Police today have lost sight of their purpose

I think the last sentence I quoted sums up the problem with policing in many countries. The podcast sounds like it would make interesting listening.