Forwarded message:
>Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 22:07:32 -0500 (CDT)
>From: Michael Eisenscher <meisenscher@igc.org>
>Subject: LAPD Gets $ Millions for Dem Convention Crowd Control Gear
>
>Published on Saturday, June 3, 2000 in the Los Angeles Times
>Tom Hayden Questions $4 Million For LAPD's Democratic Convention 'Crowd
>Control' Gear
>by Dan Morain
>
>SACRAMENTO - A state senator Friday called for a new hearing on a
>$4-million request by the California Highway Patrol to pay for crowd
>control at the Democratic National Convention, while the head of the CHP
>said he was surprised to learn about some of the items included in the
>budget request.
>D.O. "Spike" Helmick said a two-page request for crowd control equipment
>that is part of the $4 million came from the Los Angeles Police Department,
>and that when he appeared before a Senate budget committee two weeks ago
>seeking the money, he believed it was primarily for personnel and some
>equipment. He was not aware of what the equipment was, he said.
>
>"This is clearly a list submitted to us by LAPD," Helmick said Friday after
>being shown a detailed listing of the LAPD's request.
>
>The list includes a paper shredder and mountain climbing equipment, as well
>as pepper spray and tear gas and guns to launch the canisters.
>
>Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns that the convention, to
>be held in Los Angeles, could be the site of protests like those earlier
>this year in Seattle and Washington. Some have warned that there could be
>terrorist attacks.
>
>However, Helmick said little of the equipment appears vital to the CHP's
>main mission during the convention: keeping freeways open and ensuring that
>dignitaries can get to and from the convention safely.
>
>"I haven't got a clue why they would ask for that [paper shredder],"
>Helmick said. "I will find out."
>
>A Los Angeles police spokeswoman said she was unaware of the rationale.
>"We're directing all calls about that to the CHP. They're the ones handling
>it," Capt. Sharyn Buck said Friday.
>
>The list also includes gas guns that shoot beanbag-like projectiles used to
>control demonstrators.
>
>The CHP budget request includes bomb detection equipment and protective
>vests, plus 39 video cameras and 39 bolt and pipe cutters used to dislodge
>protesters who chain themselves to poles.
>
>The CHP and LAPD are among the law enforcement agencies represented in
>regular planning meetings for the convention. But Helmick said he does not
>know why the LAPD requisition list was given to the CHP, why many of the
>items were included or why state money is being sought.
>
>"They're clearly going to have to explain it, or the question will be
>revisited, I can assure you," Helmick said.
>
>Helmick said that as far as he is concerned, none of the material will be
>"utilized unless it is absolutely necessary. These folks have a right to be
>heard."
>
>The CHP's request is one of thousands buried in the $100-billion spending
>plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. It attracted Sen. Tom Hayden's
>attention because he sits on a budget subcommittee that oversees the CHP,
>and because of his history of being put on trial for leading protests at
>the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago.
>
>The Los Angeles Democrat said the police request suggests they will
>overreact to protesters at the convention in Los Angeles, and he wrote a
>letter Friday calling on the Legislature's budget committee to reopen
>discussions about the $4-million item.
>
>"The request was made in a way that smacks of being covert," Hayden said.
-end-
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