Sign up for 5280's weekly e-newsletters. Want the latest restaurant scoop? The latest happenings around town? Access to exclusive events and deals just for 5280 readers? The confrontation between police and protesters near the 16th Street Mall during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in August was not instigated by the actions of an undercover officer. That’s the conclusion of Denver’s independent police monitor, Richard A. Rosenthal, in a letter to an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, according to The Denver Post.
The ACLU had alleged that an undercover officer staged a confrontation with police Cmdr. Kris Kroncke in order to escape the crowd, in turn inciting the mass. But Rosenthal wrote that the officer’s action was “reasonable” and says that he will take no action, adding that police believe an “immediate risk to public safety” justified their actions.
The ACLU has also filed a series of complaints regarding the mass arrest on August 25 on 15th Street near Civic Center, claiming police lied, in sworn statements, about giving a dispersal order and the crowd ignoring it, according to the Rocky Mountain News. The ACLU says police have withheld 15 minutes of audio dispatch tapes that would clear those facing trial of wrongdoing.
Back in November at 5280.com, I looked at four reasons why the trials of the activists arrested at the DNC are not good for Denver’s image.
Posted 12/23/2008 at 9:26 am by Michael de Yoanna
DNC, Panorama :: Permalink :: Comments (5)
What a surprise. Sorry, but I have heard more than enough over my 46 years in this area to know that this is just another whitewash. Funny how the cops NEVER do anything wrong, here, regardless of how many witnesses say otherwise or how many people die in a hail of gunfire. Fortunately, no one died in this instance, but they have before, and not one cop was ever found guilty of any wrong doing. Why do I find this just one more whitewashing? How many times can they do this and still think that we buy any of it? I sure don’t. Too much dirty water under the bridge.
I’ve seen the videos and read the eyewitness reports. I’ve studied the photographic evidence – there is no doubt that Denver PD was heavy handed, broke several laws regarding the handling and detention of suspects and violated the Constitutional rights of many of their victims. It’s quite obvious that many members of the Denver PD have emotional issues and aggressive tendencies. Residents and visitors to the Denver area should beware of the dangers they face from these thugs with badges. Denver PD innocent? Not if you’re paying attention. Someone’s on the take in this case. Maybe someone should take a REAL close look, starting with Mr. Rosenthal
What a joke! First, they denied over and over that there was no undercover officer. Then they denied the officers were not trying to start riots despite many undercovers all day long trying to get kids to break windows and throw rocks. What a joke. To top it all off, there were 100’s of videos taken proving this. Just take a look at the Alex Jones Channel footage on YouTube.
Easy enough to Google Richard A. Rosenthal. His background includes a stint as Deptuty DA for LA from 86 to 01. The information about corruption in the city through this period is widespread and documented. He seems to make a career of hopping from one jurisdiction to another as “professional independent auditor” of police/citizen conflict. So is anyone surprised that he would fail to bite the hand that feeds him? And is this really anything more than a kangaroo rubber stamp? Let the city fight it out in court with ACLU. Millions in lawyer fees that could have gone to roads and schools and public programs. Merry Christmas Denver! Screwed again! How’s all that conservative theology working out for ya?
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