Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 10:39:00 -0500
From: Chuck0 <chuck-AT-tao.ca>
Subject: Seattle cops upset over anarchist blankets


Interesting press release from the Seattle cops

Seattle Police Officers' Guild: Stamper's Resignation Does Not Answer
The Many Questions Surrounding Last Week

Updated 4:32 PM ET December 7, 1999

SEATTLE (BUSINESS WIRE) - The following statement
was issued by Mike Edwards, president of the Seattle Police Officers'
Guild, the union representing 1,190 men and women of the Seattle
Police Department:

The men and women of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild wish to
thank the citizens of Seattle and the many agencies that assisted us
during the WTO Conference.

Our heartfelt thanks go to those agencies that came to our aid.
We believe our law enforcement personnel did an outstanding job of
overcoming the largest and most violent protests on American soil
since the Vietnam era. Their professionalism and courage helped return
peace to Seattle while avoiding serious injury to citizens and the
lawless alike.

While the Seattle Police Officers' Guild applauds the actions of
law enforcement personnel, we question the level and quality of
planning for the event. This is not the fault of one individual and
our greatest concern is to ensure that it never happens again.<P>
We also believe that Police Chief Stamper's resignation does not
absolve the city from its responsibility for a complete investigation.
Moreover, the Guild believes continued attempts to shift the blame
downward is unconscionable.

Violence associated with World Trade Organization Conferences was
well documented. The risks facing the city were apparent to the Mayor
and Chief.

The lack of thought and concern for the safety of all law
enforcement officers shown by city leaders is of great concern. We
have learned that during the week preceding the conference, while
Mayor Schell was reporting to the citizens of Seattle how safe the
upcoming event would be, he and his staff outfitted themselves with
gas masks intended for line police officers.

The Guild also believes that the Mayor and Chief's lack of
planning led to many of the problems faced by officers, including
18-20 hour shifts, little or no planning for access to food, or rest.
In contrast, on December 3rd at 11:50 am, the Mayor's staff contacted
the Emergency Command Center and asked that city representatives
supply the ANARCHISTS illegally occupying the 914 Virginia Street
building with blankets.

To show our gratitude to the citizens and business leaders of
Seattle for their overwhelming support, officers have volunteered
their own time to walk footbeats in the downtown areas this weekend.
Beginning with a rally in Westlake Park on Saturday, December 11th,
officers will walk those areas most effected by last week activities
in an effort to thank everyone and help ring in a safe and successful
holiday season.

Contact: Seattle Police Officers' Guild
Mike Edwards, 206/767-1150


-- 
Chuck0

Mid-Atlantic Infoshop
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        - Jens Bjørneboe