Police Presence

At least a few residents share common ground with some of the protesters in Denver for the Democratic National Convention.  They all think the police presence in downtown Denver is being overdone.

 

Matthew Williams, a self-professed anarchist, likened the number of police around the city to martial law conditions.  “I wonder why the DNC is allowing a police state?” he asked. Williams had hitchhiked from Mississippi for the event.

 

Karen Sadwith, a Denver resident since 1974 and the mother of a teenage son, agreed.  “There’s a policeman on every corner,” she said.

 

“I worry about all the police,” Sadwith said while walking with her husband and son near Union Station on a breezy evening.  “Denver always over-reacts.  Maybe it’s like this in any big city, but Denver always over-reacts.”

 

The police presence includes what appear to be Ford Expeditions.  However, it’s hard to be sure of the white vehicles’ make because four police in riot gear stand on running boards on each side, while another three on a running board on the back hold onto straps.  Inside, past the tinted windows, the seats are presumably filled with more officers.

 

Tuesday afternoon a double column of police in riot gear marched along city sidewalks, marching in the direction of the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held.  They were decked out in what appears to be standard issue for many of the front line police here: riot helmets with full face shields, gas masks, batons, and various other gear, including thick, blue-green plastic ties that serve as handcuffs.  Two of the officers were women.  Two others carried what appeared to be tear gas rifles.

 

Earlier in the day, ten mounted policemen rode towards downtown.  Their horses each had clear plastic visors covering their eyes.

 

Despite their noserings and numerous tattoos, Williams and another demonstrator shared a philosophy that is not alien to New Hampshire citizens.  A fellow demonstrator, Jasmine Turner, who had hitchhiked from California for the convention, explained their shared political outlook.  “We should all be able to choose what we want and when we want it and why we want it,” Turner said.

 

Even though the two had first attracted the attention of several journalists when they asked, “Which one of us is dirtier?” they both were polite and earnest.  Without their nose rings and Williams’ shock of dyed hair hanging over his forehead – and with a shower – they could have both passed for any of the other young interns and volunteers who are attending the convention.

 

-Professor Paul Bush