- Oct 20, 2013
- 55,463
- 17,608
- 2,250
A United States District Court Judge, R. Brooke Jackson ordered Denver police on Friday to stop using tear gas, plastic bullets and other "less-than-lethal" force such as flash grenades against protesters in the city.
Four protesters filed a lawsuit, asking for a temporary restraining order against aggressive police actions. The lawsuit filed in Denver District Court, has been moved to federal court.
But Jackson did recognize that police need the ability to protect themselves, so he set guidelines for when police officers can use the non-lethal weapons against protesters. For example, a captain or higher-ranked officer must approve their use, after that commander has witnessed specific acts of violence or property destruction that warrant that level of force.
'
Also, chemical agents or irritants (including pepper spray and tear gas) may only be used after an order to disperse is issued, and if protestors have had time to leave, and haven't done so.
Denver police said on Friday night that the department “will comply with the judge’s directions, many of which are already in line with our community-consulted Use of Force Policy.”
I get the feeling that police are going to be intimidated about using rubber bullets and tear gas, even when they really are justified. Wow. Where do we go from here ? Maybe cops cans start offering protestors lollipops and ice cream cones. Cotton candy anyone ?
.
Four protesters filed a lawsuit, asking for a temporary restraining order against aggressive police actions. The lawsuit filed in Denver District Court, has been moved to federal court.
But Jackson did recognize that police need the ability to protect themselves, so he set guidelines for when police officers can use the non-lethal weapons against protesters. For example, a captain or higher-ranked officer must approve their use, after that commander has witnessed specific acts of violence or property destruction that warrant that level of force.
'
Also, chemical agents or irritants (including pepper spray and tear gas) may only be used after an order to disperse is issued, and if protestors have had time to leave, and haven't done so.
Denver police said on Friday night that the department “will comply with the judge’s directions, many of which are already in line with our community-consulted Use of Force Policy.”
I get the feeling that police are going to be intimidated about using rubber bullets and tear gas, even when they really are justified. Wow. Where do we go from here ? Maybe cops cans start offering protestors lollipops and ice cream cones. Cotton candy anyone ?
.
Last edited:
