Respond to these 3 classmates discussion post with at least 90 words each.
#1-WB
In light of recent events throughout the nation, especially in Ferguson MO and more recently in NYC, the greatest threat may be violent protests. Various groups such as Black Bloc could pose a threat of violence to other protest groups as well as a general threat to the general public in the downtown area. Large crowds coupled with groups that stir controversy such as the aforementioned group, the Tea Party Movement, the Wall Street Movement, unorganized cliques of anarchists within the crowd all present a danger to each other and, as stated before, the general public in downtown Miami. In addition to the concern about violence comes the natural concern over destruction of public and private property throughout the downtown area and potentially around the entire city should protests or demonstrations spread to other parts of the city. Attempting to limit all protests and demonstrations to the First Amendment Zone is a well calculated step in protecting the city however, in the event the protests spread outside this area or become violent, containment may not be possible.
As with any violent protest comes the potential for weapons. Violence could occur and the use of firearms or homemade weapons are a potential risk as well as the threat not only from protest and demonstration groups but also terrorist groups based upon the type of event the DRNC is and what it represents not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Good intelligence, surveillance, law enforcement tactics and sound policies are needed to help pull off a safe and successful convention in terms of law enforcement response by the MDPD.
Policy:
Prepare-Intelligence, planning, training & tactics
Observe-Observe the various groups, look for observations made and reported in previous intelligence meetings and reports
Listen-to what is happening in the crowd, plan to react as words turn to actions, prepare to counter what groups are doing before they happen
Identify-those inciting violence and hostilities
Contain-the demonstration area, keep most if not all activities within the First Amendment Zone
Engage-Those who are inciting violence or commotion but also be professional in contact with everyone to avoid any unnecessary escalation of violent police/citizen encounters.
#2-LR
Due to the large scale size of the upcoming DRNC that Major Warren and his team are preparing for, and the great potential for social disorder and violence, it is paramount that sufficient intelligence and communication occur between Major Warren and his team. Based upon the FTAA case study reading by Nunez (2011), the three most likely threats that Major Warren and his team could encounter during the week of the event are: 1) Violent protestors: Many anarchist groups attend such political events and have little regard for the impact of their violent actions/riots and can infiltrate large crowds rather quickly and therefore reinforce the need of first amendment zones with buffer zones that include uniformed and undercover officers to ensure quick response.2) Communication between all personnel providing public safety: A lack of communication of intelligence, procedures, and reactive actions between all members working collectively to provide public safety could result in extremely negative actions and injured attendees/protestors/law enforcement. 3) Size of the convention crowd/attendees: As a result of the many thousands of people who are expected to attend the convention, it is necessary for law enforcement to have secure boundaries and numerous officers (undercover) mixed into the crowd to communicate with aerial surveillance and other uniformed officers in order to decrease the spread of protests and violence extending beyond the convention boundaries,
The three most consequential threats that Major Warren, his team, and the DRNC could face are: 1) Destruction of property beyond the boundaries of the convention area, 2) weapons used by protest group members and potentially need for law enforcement to use less than lethal and lethal tactics, and 3) Strain on available resources within local government (jail, courts) and first responders (fire, hospitals).
Potential policy statements that best address the risks identified are: 1) Safety for everyone is always top priority.2) Strategic, tactical responses are necessary for safety. 3) Proactive enforcement (Nunez, 2011) demonstrates authority and control.
Nunez, E. L. (2011). FTAA Conference Case Study. Retrieved from M7_FTAACaseStudy.pdf.
#3-EM
There are several likely threats that could occur as a result of the event that is being planned. The first likely threat would be the lack of coordination and communication between the various departments, along with the resulting inability to effectively respond to whatever adverse event could occur. This lack of communication could also prevent the team from effectively assessing the risk of something adverse occurring and not being well prepared for them. According to Nunez (2011), the various departments would need to be able to work together and cooperate in order to bring about desired results. The second likely threat steam from the groups of protesters that would be taking part in the event and this would entail ensuring that the team and officials are able to effectively take care of the logistical aspect of the event so that they can minimize the threat that protesters could likely pose. The third possible threat would be violence breaking out at the event and threatening the safety of the individuals that would be attending the event. I think that all of these threats would have a similar likelihood and risk of occurring due to the fact that they are interrelated. For example, if the departments that are supposed to be working together are unable to have sufficient control over protesters, violence could potentially occur.
The brief policy statement would be: Be Vigilant and Proactive.
This policy statements focuses on the individuals that are involved in the planning function, as well as involved in the actual event, to continually assess risks and what is actually occurring in order to appropriately respond and ensure the safety of the attendees.