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Ellipsis

(9,123 posts)
Wed Sep 19, 2012, 12:40 PM Sep 2012

Police Unions' Statement Regarding Recent Enforcement Action at the (Wi) Capitol

Source: Politiscoop

The Madison Professional Police Officers Association and Dane County Deputy Sheriffs Association
today release the following joint statement:

In February of 2011, tens of thousands of Wisconsinites travelled to our state Capitol in order to have their voices heard. It was truly a remarkable time in Wisconsin's history, where people from all sides of a political issue came together in one place to peacefully demonstrate. There was an exceptional relationship between the protesters and on-duty law enforcement officers during this time, and Madison saw none of the strife or violence that has touched other protest movements nationwide.

The on-duty officers acted in a truly exemplary manner during the 2011 protests. They were professional and courteous, and performed their duties impartially in order to protect the free speech rights of all parties involved. These officers, from countless jurisdictions across Wisconsin, set an example for the world to follow regarding the role of the police during peaceful citizen protests. Part of the reason they
were able to accomplish this was that the leaders of these agencies were extremely sensitive to the free speech rights of all participants, and as such, did not place their officers in positions that would infringe upon those rights.

It is within this context that we have been watching with alarm the recent developments at the Wisconsin State Capitol. In recent weeks, the Department of Administration (DOA) and the leadership within the Capitol Police have commenced enforcement action against peaceful protesters coming to the Capitol. Officers have been ordered to arrest and cite protesters whose only offense is the silent carrying of a sign. Other protesters have been cited for gathering for the "Solidarity Sing-along," a non-violent group of citizens who sing every day over the noon hour. The Solidarity Singers have been particularly cognizant of the needs of other groups who also want to utilize the Capitol, and frequently relocate outside the Capitol to be respectful of those needs. They are now being cited for assembly at the Capitol without a permit.

The right to free speech and the right to peaceful assembly are two of the fundamental rights upon which our democracy is based. Since the birth of our nation, the courts have taken great pains to protect these rights vigorously, and view any infringement upon these rights with great skepticism. We believe the recent enforcement action at the Capitol clearly violates these rights in a way that should be unacceptable in a free society.

Read more: http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/wisconsin-politics/1518-police-unions-statement-regarding-recent-enforcement-action-at-the-capitol.html



Solidarity!


Exposition
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014233788
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Police Unions' Statement Regarding Recent Enforcement Action at the (Wi) Capitol (Original Post) Ellipsis Sep 2012 OP
Wow! murielm99 Sep 2012 #1
x1000 Smilo Sep 2012 #7
On Wisconsin! myrna minx Sep 2012 #2
Post a copy of this in every police station in America pscot Sep 2012 #3
Please make sure Portland police is on that list as well. ~nt 99th_Monkey Sep 2012 #5
It will be a wonderful day when police always act to protect the rights of the people byeya Sep 2012 #4
Wasn't there a link on DU to someone's list of the GOP's do-nothing approach to jobs? lexw Sep 2012 #6
It's what scares ''them'' the most. DeSwiss Sep 2012 #8
Chief David Erwin Responds Ellipsis Sep 2012 #9
"Simply stated, these officers are being forced into emotionally charged confrontations... Ellipsis Sep 2012 #10
 

byeya

(2,842 posts)
4. It will be a wonderful day when police always act to protect the rights of the people
Wed Sep 19, 2012, 01:02 PM
Sep 2012

and not act as personal body guards for those who control the political economy.

Yeah, Bloomberg: I am looking at you and your "personal army"

lexw

(804 posts)
6. Wasn't there a link on DU to someone's list of the GOP's do-nothing approach to jobs?
Wed Sep 19, 2012, 01:58 PM
Sep 2012

Here's another entry.
Surprising.

Ellipsis

(9,123 posts)
9. Chief David Erwin Responds
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 01:16 AM
Sep 2012

For Immediate Release
September 19, 2012
Contact: Stephanie Marquis, Department of Administration, 608-267-7874

Capitol Police Chief David Erwin’s Statement in Response to the Madison Professional Police Officers Association and Dane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association


“It’s unfortunate that these associations would issue a statement about Capitol Police actions without ever contacting us. Our officers would never judge another police department’s enforcement without knowing the facts of the situation.
“Everyone has access to the Capitol. Wisconsin has a rich history of freedom of speech, which is a fundamental right that we uphold. There are more than five million citizens in the state, and all should have the same opportunity to voice their views and opinions at our state’s Capitol. This is not an issue about saying what you want you want – it’s about sharing the space at the Capitol and there is a process to do it.
“Last year was an unprecedented time in our state’s history and the officers of these departments assisted Capitol Police in keeping the environment safe for everyone involved. We know that the officers understand that the crowds are no longer in the thousands, but a small group who we continue to work with to follow the process to reserve space for their protests.
“We are sworn to protect and serve the citizens of our state – as all other police departments in Wisconsin – and we will continue to do so.”

Ellipsis

(9,123 posts)
10. "Simply stated, these officers are being forced into emotionally charged confrontations...
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 01:19 AM
Sep 2012

that are neither necessary nor advisable."

Brian Austin, who sits on the executive board of the Madison Professional Police Officers Association, acknowledges it is unusual for one police group to publicly criticize another. But he says the issues of free speech and assembly are too important to be silent about.

"We felt really strongly about it," says Austin, who himself protested Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining law and publishes Badger Blue, Times Two a blog about state political matters.

Austin says that during the February 2011 protests there was an "amazing relationship between the citizenry and police" because police leadership and protesters realized that dialogue over public policy and open government has value in Wisconsin.

"I think we're seeing an erosion of that at the Capitol," says Austin.

The respectful relationship between protesters and police was widely credited for the peaceful nature of the protests, which sometimes drew tens of thousands to the Capitol. Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs was in charge at the time of the February 2011 protests. In June 2012 he became the director of Dane County Emergency Management. He has declined to comment on recent developments at the Capitol due to ongoing litigation he is involved with.


http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=37791

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