The
Denver Police Department has issued a bulletin asking law enforcement
officials to be on the lookout for stockpiles of supplies that could be
used by “violent demonstrators” during the Democratic National
Convention (DNC) next week, but civil libertarians are criticizing the
memo for containing a broad list of innocuous items including bicycles,
helmets and maps. Reports of such items will also be recorded and held
for an indefinite period of time by a state “fusion” center, a place
meant to share reports of “suspicious activities” with local, federal
and military officials.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado announced in a
statement yesterday that they will be holding a press conference at
their 400 Corona St. offices in Denver today at 3 p.m. to discuss the
bulletin, which was also provided to reporters with the organization’s
press release.
In the memo, police warn of the dangers of bicycles, protest signs
and maps:
Maps: Maps are frequently used by violent protester [sic] to plan
direct actions against conventioneers.Protest sign handles: Wood or metal
– Check the diameter of the wood or metal used to hold up light paper,
cloth, or plastic signs
– Heavy wooden handles in 5 foot lengths are perfect for swing [sic] at
first responders
– Metal post can also be used to hold improvised “tiki” torches to
deliver flammable liquid on first respondersBicycles: Bicycles are used to blockade sidewalks, streets and can
be used to slow down responding emergency vehiclesHelmets: Football, baseball, or motorcycle helmets are all used by
violent protesters.
At the bottom of the bulletin is a number to the Colorado
Intelligence Analysis Center (CAIC), a state “fusion” center that will
be operating 24 hours a day during the convention, fully staffed with
up to eight intelligence analysts from both federal and state
government agencies at any given time.
“Fusion” centers have been criticized by civil liberties advocates
for what they see as invasive
data mining and sharing between government agencies. Some of those
problems were explored in a July story by The Colorado Independent.
For more on “fusion” centers, read The Colorado Independent’s
continuing coverage:
Monster
fusion center to coordinate DNC intelligence
Local,
state agencies gain spying powers under Bush plan
Colorado
“fusion center” to step up intelligence gathering during DNC
Report: “Fusion centers” called new domestic spying machine