Entries Tagged 'Militarization' ↓

Solid investigative work and public pressure kept this phase of police militarization at bay! University of California Berkeley has decided it doesn’t need a Lenco Bearcat on campus afterall, and Albany and Berkeley also agree this is not needed in their communities.

Keep up the fight to keep our streets safe! For the full story see the Albany Patch:

albany.patch.com/articles/authorities-cancel-order-for-armored-vehicle

Here is a link to a petition contesting the purchase of the armored vehicle:

forcechange.com/24991/urge-berkeley-to-resist-acquisition-of-armored-military-vehicle/

Apparently, the City Council isn’t happy with the BPD, but is the Bearcat already on its way? We’re not just upset about militarization and police department secrets, we don’t want it here:

www.insidebayarea.com/bay-area-news/ci_20953583/berkeley-council-blasts-cops-buying-armored-car

If Berkeley Police Department has its wishes granted by Homeland Security, this will join our local arsenal. What would this be used for?

Armored_Vehicle_Flyer

Berkeley Police Department is currently seeking funding and training from UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative- a Homeland Security program that trains local police departments in urban warfare.) Berkeley Police are now trying to buy a giant armored vehicle that will be used to suppress protests and terrorize demonstrators. According to their grant application, they intend to share this tank-like vehicle with UC Berkeley Police and Albany Police. Berkeley Police have already come under criticism for their conduct at UCB and Oakland Occupy protests. Without increased accountability, BPD risks becoming a department that is not only out of control, but very heavily armed.

The Berkeley Police Review Commission has been effectively rendered incapable of holding BPD officers accountable for their actions. Until the City Council and the people of Berkeley rewrite the ordinance establishing civilian oversight of the police, it is truly dangerous to give them even more war material with which to suppress dissent.

The Berkeley Municipal Code requires that Police Department (PD) Agreements be reduced to writing and presented to the City Council for approval. The council has a real choice in the matter!

The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC) program encourages police “spying’ on persons involved in non-criminal behaviors: taking a photo of a building, buying fertilizer, wearing a headscarf or turban, and then sending a Suspicious Activity Report to NCRIC.

1) We demand that the City Council reject pacts with NCRIC*, the Spying program, and UASI. These programs are set to expire June 30, 2012.

2) We also demand that the Berkeley PD not respond to mutual aid requests for purely First Amendment activities and not respond to, or request aid from jurisdictions that use brutal tactics and/or so-called non-lethal weapons. And of course, no armored vehicles.

FOR INFO CONTACT BERKELEY COPWATCH 510-548-0425 or berkeleycopwatch@yahoo.com

We Don’t Need a Tank! We Need Police Accountability! Say NO to Mutual Aid
Pacts with Federal Agencies!

STOP THE FEDERALIZATION OF BERKELEY POLICE
BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY MAY 15, 2012
6pm Rally on the steps of City Hall
(MLK and Center Street)

Come and Speak out at the Tuesday May 15, 2012 City Council, 7pm Old City Hall
at 2134 M.L. King Jr. Way, Berkeley.

Berkeley is violating its own laws! The Berkeley Municipal Code requires that
Police Department (PD) Agreements be reduced to writing and presented to the
City Council for approval.

NCRIC*, the Spying program, and UASI**, the urban warfare program, are merely
verbal agreements coordinated with the FBI and Homeland Security. These
programs expire June 30, 2012. Being in violation of local law they must not be
renewed or allowed to continue without Council action.

*The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center program encourages police
“spying’ on persons involved in non-criminal behaviors: taking a photo of a
building, buying fertilizer, wearing a headscarf or turban, and then sending a
Suspicious Activity Report to NCRIC.
**The Urban Areas Security Initiative, through Urban Shield conducts urban
warfare exercises with local police departments.

Also ask that the Berkeley PD not respond to mutual aid requests for purely
First Amendment activities and not respond to, or request aid from
jurisdictions that use brutal tactics and/or so-called non-lethal weapons.

We had some good numbers out in the  streets from May Day morning to May Day night–and saw broad daylight police Tasering of protestors, to the forewarned “surgical arrests”, to the Alameda County sheriff’s department lined up with their assault rifles, to the sickeningly brutal front line police charges on Broadway that rushed and tackled protestors and nabbed at least one of us while filming and hauled us off to jail. We had new copwatchers in the streets that showed solid bravery, endurance, and camera savvy, as well as veteran copwatchers refusing to be bullied by the numerous agencies (Union City Police? What were you doing rushing down the Oakland sidewalks in full riot gear?)

We could have used more numbers with cameras–as actions in San Francisco were left unwitnessed by our team, and at least one team was broken up with members left isolated following the 9:30pm arrests on Broadway.  But overall, we ran a strong, responsible, and fluid monitoring patrol that covered lots of ground throughout the day, supported by an excellent dispatcher. Great job copwatchers and solidarity to Occupy and all May Day protestors!

Come by our weekly meeting tomorrow at 7pm at the Grassroots House and compare notes on positions and what we saw, and plan for the next actions and sign up for neighborhood shifts. See you there.

And, from Dave Id, check out his piece on crowd control violations this May Day, including footage of OPD’s motorcycle “BUMPing” ….Judge Thelton Henderson, we’re counting on you to be watching:

www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/05/04/18712886.php

Also, if you haven’t seen the massive Alameda County sheriff’s armored vehicle “Grizzly”, see Anonymous’ photo at:  http://twitter.com/#!/YourAnonNews/status/197459134013120512 )

Excellent video and commentary posted by Copwatcher on IndyBay. Have any of the targets for surgical arrests already been identified? From the Oscar Grant protest cordons, to the Moving Day chemical deployments, does this rush-and-snatch policy indicate a more individualizing approach to crowd control from OPD Chief Howard Jordan?

The National Defense Authorization Act has been in the news lately, although without proper analysis. It allows U.S. citizens to be detained indefinitely without charges. Check out the article below to find out how Congress deliberately allowed this, President Obama approved it,and how it further limits our Habeas Corpus rights, and how it helps pave the way for mass imprisonment of Americans without charge or trial forever.

The NDAA and the Militarization of America

www.counterpunch.org/2012/02/10/the-ndaa-and-the-militarization-of-america/

Jamboree serves as recruiting tool for military, which will set up displays and equipment during event.

11 Feb 2012

Another milestone in preparations for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree is now crossed. On Friday, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed an executive order that designates the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as the principal coordinator for federal, state and local agencies providing support for the Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve before and during the Jamboree. Representatives from the National Guard, Boy Scouts of America, and local government gathered at the Glen Jean Armory for the signing of the order.

“We’re here today to see to it that the Scouts enjoy the Summit in a safe and secure manner, just as we here in West Virginia would provide for our own families and friends,” Tomblin told representatives from the National Guard, Boy Scouts of America, and local government who gathered at the Glen Jean Armory for the signing of the order.

Tomblin said the “insta-city” created by the Jamboree will put unique demands on local communities. Among other things, he hopes this measure will provide help to local agencies in the lead-up and execution of the event.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jimmy Gianato will serve as the governor’s point person on Summit-related endeavors involving the state. Gianato said a joint inter-agency task force of key federal, state and local agencies will support the “monumental” 2013 event.

He said the task force is working on building communications infrastructure, increasing capacity for cell coverage, and working with hospitals to ensure they are prepared for a major event.

“We’ll try to plan for every contingency, and hope for the best,” he told The Register-Herald.

The executive order also said that the state Homeland Security division, within 60 days, will provide a “financial impact statement outlining the needs that … agencies will have in order to provide the proper support for a successful event.”

The upcoming Jamboree will be the first in many years not held on an active military base. An estimated 50,000 scouts will attend the Jamboree, along with their families and other visitors. Some locals are describing the event as “Bridge Day for 14 days in a row.”

Tomblin said he expects several thousand National Guard from West Virginia and across the country on the ground during the Jamboree “in case of an attack … or health crisis.”

Gianato also said the Jamboree serves as a recruiting tool for the military, which will set up displays and equipment during the event.

BSA Assistant Chief Scout Executive Alf Tuggle told those gathered that the BSA could ask for “no better ally” than the state of West Virginia.

“I feel safer already,” Tuggle said. “This coordination will provide for the safety … of our guests and participants while ensuring efficient use of state and local resources.”

Mount Hope Police Chief Thomas Peal said he recently visited Fort AP Hill, Virginia, to talk to local law enforcement about their experience during past Jamborees. Among other things, he said he learned that he will need to attend to the many vendors who will show up for the Jamboree selling souvenirs and other items.

Fayette County Commission President Matthew Wender said he remembers sitting in the same room over two years ago as the Summit project was launched and thinking that 2013 seemed very far off indeed.

“What seemed an eternity away then is now right on our doorstep,” he said.

www.register-herald.com/local/x2063990347/State-s-Division-of-Homeland-Security-to-coordinate-Jamboree