"Working the Streets of San Francisco"
Posted by Michael Nevin, Jr.
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Someone said to me the other day: ''I wouldn't want your job as a cop! How do you do it?''
My response was: ''I've got a front row seat at the circus and the admission is free''
San Francisco is a historic place wherein free speech is not only encouraged but fiercely protected. I work in the San Francisco Police Department protecting those rights of free speech. It has been several days since I changed out of my riot gear into regular uniform, and I've had time to reflect on a memorable experience.
While brave men and women are thousands of miles away fighting in Iraq, another battlefront has opened up at home. It quickly became apparent here on the streets of San Francisco that radical groups had hijacked the peace marches accompanied by signs that read: ''We Support Our Troops When They Shoot Their Officers,'' ''War On Bush Not Iraq,'' ''If America Wants a War Let It Be a Revolution,'' and ''Workers Control Now.'' Do these sound like anti-war messages? Considering that Molotov cocktails, knives, bottles, and rocks were found throughout the week of protests, it would be safe to assume some people didn't get the message that peace demonstrations were taking place. The ugly truth is that the war in Iraq is merely a cover for radical anarchists and thugs to take to the streets.
A major problem for a police department is simultaneously to handle real peace demonstrators and violent groups who infiltrate the marches. On one hand, there is the majority of the marchers who are part of the peace protest, and exercising their First Amendment rights. On the other hand, you have the criminal element intent on inflicting major damage and injury.
Several violent attacks on officers were reported. In one case, several California Highway Patrol officers were surrounded by hundreds of people. The officers, who were attacked near an off-ramp leading into the city, called an 11-99 which in C.H.P. terms is an emergency request for back-up. In my unit alone, three officers were struck on their helmets by flying bottles.
One anarchist website explains why the group Black Block attacks the police: The police are in their way. They maintain that while most anarchists oppose police brutality and seek an end to policing and prisons, their main targets are the rich and powerful. Since they consider the police to be the violent face of capitalism--or the guard-dogs for the rich--the police are on the front lines when the anarchists come to pursue their class war against the rich.
During the demonstrations, I was surprised to see school kids who had taken ''field trips'' into the city. It seems the class lesson plan was just an extension of ideological beliefs of their teachers.
When am assistant professor at Columbia University, Nicholas De Genova, made his infamous comments, he left no doubt how vile rhetoric makes its way to the streets. Among his comments was this gem: ''The only true heroes are those who find ways to defeat the U.S. military. I personally would like to see a million Mogadishus.'' De Genova must still be upset that he never got picked for dodge ball.
While standing in riot gear and facing the crowds, we worked long hours with little sleep. The personal insults and provoking methods used by the ''peace'' protesters were not suitable for certain viewers. If I had a dollar for every time I was called a fascist or had a desecrated American flag in my face, I could retire. However, the Iraqi flag was proudly on display among the protesters. It may give new meaning to Herb Caen's famous description of San Francisco as ''Baghdad by the Bay.'' Sometimes it was laughable, but other times it was downright dangerous. We arrested over 2,200 people, almost equaling the number in our department. Those numbers are extraordinary, and it will cost the city of San Francisco a bundle.
Captain William Davenport, a 25-year veteran, recalled citizens cheering for the police officers who were running down Sutter Street to catch up with a splinter group. ''It takes an event like this to remind us of the important role we have in protecting the citizens,'' Davenport stated. Captain Davenport saw an organized effort and an overt attempt to shut down the city. He stated, ''People were scared, and I saw genuine support from the public. I have not seen that kind of overwhelming support and goodwill since the 1989 earthquake.''
Officer Kevin Martin, a 19-year veteran and respected beat cop, witnessed political hypocrisy. He said: ''I don't remember many demonstrations when our country bombed Kosovo. It seems that when the bomb has a D [for Democrat] instead of an R [for Republican], it's not a problem.''
The freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly have been guaranteed in the Bill of Rights since 1791. What is not guaranteed is the right to terrorize an entire city. The majority of Americans and San Franciscans would agree with this premise. There were times when journalists and demonstrators alike commended us for our professionalism and restraint. Police officers around the country are sworn to uphold the law and ensure public safety. Cops may have a front row seat to the circus, but sometimes the clowns come armed.
This view reflects only that of the author and is not necessarily that of the S.F.P.D. |
