Readying for the riot
by digby
Remember how everyone was shocked by the militarization of the police during the Ferguson protests? Well it looks like the police were properly chastised by our outrage and in anticipation of a Grand Jury decision they’ve taken a whole new approach. Not:
Anticipating a furore, the St Louis County Police department has been reportedly stockpiling riot gear. The department has spent $173,000 since August on tear gas, plastic handcuffs, smoke grenades and canisters, rubber bullets, beanbag bullets and pepper balls. They have also invested in new helmets, batons and shields.
Well, they haven’t invested in any new sound cannons or taser tanks so I guess it’s all good.
Of course the police have to prepare for unrest. I don’t think anyone believes they shouldn’t do that. But I’d be a lot more impressed if the stories were about the various police departments reviewing their tactics and taking a different approach rather than loading up on more riot gear. How much more of that stuff do they need anyway?
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