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Indybay Feature

Some Thoughts on OPD Operations

by babiesatemydingo
The recently released OPD operations plan for the Ferguson protests makes for interesting reading. Not only is it an excellent primer on police operations, but a closer look reveals some invaluable strategic nuggets. In no particular order:
While the document is labeled "Classified - For Law Enforcement Use Only", much of the content suggests the authors were prepared for the eventuality that it would be made public, with large portions devoted to ass-covering. This idea is supported by the fact that the OPD didn't fight to protect it - it was obtained through a standard public records request, no lawsuit required. In addition the report is mostly unredacted. Section C, which covers dealing with reporters and the media, contains this gem - "<b>For mobile and stationary events/coverage alike, all individuals claiming media affiliation shall be allowed to engage in activity afforded to media personnel in accordance with our policy.</b>". (Indybay correspondents trust this assertion at their own risk.) This policy supposedly allows the following, among other things: "The media have a right to cover demonstrations, including the right to record the event on audio tape, video, film, or in photographs", and the downright hilarious "The media shall never be targeted for dispersal or enforcement action because of their status." Other tidbits sure to draw a chuckle from anyone familiar with OPD's MO at protests include "Police personnel must maintain professional demeanor and remain neutral in word and deed despite unlawful or anti-social behavior on the part of crowd members." and this directive to "TNT Field Units" - "Be prepared to provide dispersal orders and egress routes."

Some policies outlined in the plan have a distinct don't-do-that-anymore feel. For example, "Munitions and chemical agents not approved by the Operations Commander shall not be deployed by any agency. If a mutual aid responder refuses to comply with this directive that agency shall not be utilized for any assignment where munitions are likely to be deployed." It's hard to believe that one didn't spring from bitter experience. Likewise "The recovery of physical evidence (i.e. projectiles) shall be the responsibility of every member. Supervisors shall ensure that their assigned personnel collect, document, package, and catalog relevant physical evidence." Apparently too many empty tear gas canisters and spent rubber bullets littering the streets have a negative effect on OPD's PR efforts. In a similar vein we find numerous admonishments to document every "use of force", especially from the "Tango Teams" that carry "specialty munitions", i.e. concussion grenades, pepper ball launchers and the like. Wonder if they worried about this <i>before</i> Scott Olsen was almost killed by a beanbag round.

Even with all that "mutual aid" the cops' logistics are stretched by major protests, to the point that they now anticipate it. For instance "The OPD helicopter (ARGUS) is not available for this operation. CHP, Contra Costa Sheriffs, and EBRP will be providing their helicopters for assistance" and "Officers should deploy to the field with all required equipment. Logistics Section will not be available to push forward supplies." although "Logistics will push out additional food or water. Personnel should still come prepared for sustained operations." In other words Logistics Section can feed the riot cops, but if they run out of pepper spray they're on their own. Echoes here of the Pittsburgh G20, where the cops' APCs ran out of gas on the first day of the protests and had to be resupplied by emergency tanker truck.

If anybody doubted that a combative black bloc was the safest place to be in a protest, this ought to clear it up. Several sections of the plan enjoin riot cops to make arrests only when "safe" or "tactically feasible". So let's try to create more tactical infeasibility out there, m'kay?
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