OWS |
Police may be encouraging people to join the protesters. Though you should not mistake it for goodwill or believe they suddenly had a change of heart.
If the allegations are true, they are shuffling drunks from the streets towards the occupation. This could be an attempt to discredit the protesters in the eyes of public opinion, discredit them in the media or even insight actions by intoxicated individuals that would give the authorities cause to break-up the protests.
Officers do have an obligation to keep order, enforce laws, protect citizens and property (Both public and private). These should be done within the framework of the law, without working against the populace in shady ways. If there is no penalty for using deceptive actions, there comes a danger that these actions become a part of policy.
Whether one agrees with the protests or not, is this a practice we want law enforcement engaging in?
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