Infinite Monkeys

Why Denver should disclose DNC riot prep

Colorado's ACLU on Wednesday sued Denver in an attempt to force the city to disclose what equipment the police force is buying for the Democratic National Convention in August, the Rocky Mountain News reports. (The PDF of the complaint is here.)

Specifically, the ACLU wants to know how much Denver cops are spending on "less than lethal" weapons -- stun guns, pepper gas, sonic disruptors, and the like. City officials have been reluctant to say much about how they're spending between $18 and $25 million on equipment. Such disclosure, the city flacks say, "could potentially disclose tactical security information of the Denver Police Department which would be contrary to the public interest."

Oh, baloney.

First, the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. And the Democratic National Convention is a big deal for Denver. Even under the most peaceful circumstances, the convention is going to be a huge disruption for a lot of people, even as the throngs of delegates, political operatives and press pump tens of millions of dollars into the city's coffers.

Second, how better to discourage the hordes of anarchists, freaks, jokesters, pranksters, vandals, thugs and screwheads than to make clear what will happen when they step out of line in the Mile High City? Talk about deterrence! And the message to city residents and visiting delegates alike would be that no sideshow will distract the nation's eyes from the central business of the convention (which should prove entertaining enough without street fighting).

I've written elsewhere why I think riots at the Denver Convention are unlikely. A preview of what riot control means in the early 21st century could stop trouble before it even hits town. Denver officials should do the right thing and disclose already.

Posted by Ben at May 29, 2008 11:38 AM