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NYPD Disorder Control Memo Obtained By OWS Encourages "Strong Military Appearance"
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 26, 2011
Modified Nov 26, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 26, 2011
Modified Nov 26, 2011
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An arrested Occupy Wall Street protester obtained a piece of paper he allegedly found in the back of a police van outlining a set of "Dos and Don'ts" for the NYPD officers on the Disorder Control Unit manning the protests in Lower Manhattan. The 19 guidelines range from advice on proper attire to stressing the need to act as a team in chaotic situations.
Noting that having "helmet and baton, ready for immediate use" is "critical," the memo advises, "A strong military appearance, with sharp and precise movements, is a force multiplier and a psychological advantage to us." In our experience, witnessing hundreds of police in riot gear holding batons is certainly chilling, but it may in fact exacerbate the tensions between unarmed protesters and heavily armed police, making an already adversarial situation more hostile.
Other guidelines make terrific sense, such as "use minimal force necessary to achieve the objectives," "be tolerant of verbal abuse," and "maintain firearms discipline." With regard to journalists, Commissioner Ray Kelly recently stressed the memo's point to "Clearly distinguish between participants to be arrested and innocent passerby/onlookers." It's unclear whether the directions were wholly created by the NYPD or compiled by a coalition of departments across the country along with federal law enforcement.
The Oakland police (among other departments) could stand to follow a few of the NYPD's guidelines, especially warnings on use of force and "firearms discipline."
Tagged
crime
crowd control
law enforcement tactics
nypd
occupy wall street
protests
riot gear
riots
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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