Anarchists took control of St. Paul during RNC police admit

http://submedia.tv/stimulator/2008/10/06/ground-noise-and-static/
ST. PAUL -- Police lost control of the anarchists during the RNC, and for the first time, police are offering a look at what went wrong, and how they may learn from their mistakes.

Police dispatch on the first day of the RNC reveal a communication breakdown for two crucial hours on Sept. 1.

Dispatch tapes show that between noon and 2:00 p.m., downtown belonged to the anarchists.

Tape: "Squads in my group, back off now, they're smashing out of every squad car window around here."

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher says of the miscommunication, "We had 15 officers responsible for the conduct of 500 anarchists. They were outnumbered 40 to one."

And those officers, many fighting back without protective gear, had one question: Where was the backup?

The 11 mobile field force units, each with 75 officers in riot gear, were stationed along the parade route, where 10,000 protesters were marching peacefully.

At that time, about 500 anarchists split off in three directions, the town up for grabs. The cops were outmatched until the order was given to pull out.

St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington admits to a communication breakdown.

Commanders were watching the parade for trouble, when it was happening everywhere else.

Eventually the mobile field force moved into downtown, arresting 270 protesters the first day of the RNC.

"I think everyone agrees unlawful behavior should have been confronted, but it wasn't for two and half hours," said Fletcher.

Fletcher believes the error was strategic -- not enough plain-clothes cops along the parade route, and not keeping the mobile SWAT units moving.

But Chief Harrington believes they had enough cops from different cities, although maybe not enough time to train together on St. Paul's unique street pattern.

A task force is currently evaluating police actions during the RNC. It's report is due in December.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• saint
• paul
• rnc
• dnc
• nornc
• nodnc
• submedia
• anarchists
• anarchy
• riot
• crimethinc

[MrGR187]

where can i get those dispatch tapes?

[wowamonn]

And this is how you combat the Us police state by out-numbering the cops.

[UninsaneRocker]

That was a victory for the people. It's a small taste of what's to come. Get used to running away in fear from the people, pigs. We're coming for you.

[paulws81paulws81]

@MastersOfRs im here to tell you its illegal to tell me what i can say...FUCK YOU

[someman7]

Anarchy in the police XD

P.S. I like the fact that that black kid from the website wears a Nike hat and a gold ring.

-_-

[MastersOfRs]

@mercurywater10 No dude im pro anarchy and I was saying that I wouldnt take shit from the riot squad.. I just said it in a way that wont get the SWAT team busting down my front door.

If you still dont get what im saying watch /watch?v=QEQOvyGbBtY

[mercurywater10]

@MastersOfRs its freedom of speech douche bag. Anarchy Lives On!!!

[MastersOfRs]

Im here to tell you all that it is illegal to say "I would toss molotov cocktails at the riot squad".

[LMGunslinger]

the police purposely let the anarchist take control, so they could come back in force and other departments could use this as an excuse to crack down in the future.

[WILD4X4D]

@ebrowne369 haha, that was a compliment... but seriously thats good