More Plymouth campaign sign thefts

As reported by the Plymouth Police Department:

• Theft, Reported: 10-16-2008. A resident reported that his political signs were stolen out of his yard within the last day. 115xx 44th Ave N


• Theft, Reported: 10-16-2008. Victim reported the theft of political signs from the lawn overnight. 4xx Niagara Ln N


• Theft, Reported: 10-16-2008. Complainant reported a political sign was stolen from his front yard sometime overnight. Comp reported this is the second time in the last week, his sign was stolen or vandalized. 43xx Deerwood Ln N


• Theft, Reported: 10-18-2008. R/P called reporting his political yard signs stolen. 8xx Vicksburg Ln


• Theft, Reported: 10-18-2008. Theft of political sign from the yard sometime overnight. 39xx Arrowwood Ln N


• Theft, Reported: 10-18-2008. Victim reported that a political sign was taken from her yard sometime during the night. 60xx Annapolis Ln N


• Theft, Reported: 10-19-2008. Victim reported that 3 of his political signs were stolen from his front yard during the night. 48xx Orchid Ln N


• Theft, Reported: 10-21-2008. Political sign taken from yard. 110xx 40th Pl N

The Plymouth Police does not publish the political party involved in these reports. Please report campaign sign damage or theft to your local police department.

Law and order

Photo: The last thing Guy Still saw before his encounter with officers of the Minneapolis Police Department Special Operations Division (Photo: Guy Still)

"Speak softly and carry a big stick." —Teddy Roosevelt

This morning, KMSP-TV aired an interview with "aspiring photographer" Guy Still. MPR's Tim Nelson identified him, at Still's request, as simply a "former journalist." Whomever he is, Still was allegedly roughed up by Minneapolis police when his seemingly innocent photo safari strayed to the MPD special ops division building on the city's north side.

Meanwhile, MPR's Bob Collins posted a story with Denver police officers twirling hula hoops in the streets, while reporting that "many of the Denver residents I've talked to this week have been unnerved by the sheer size of the police force here."

We've read the reports of the constabulary here being schooled by their civilian leaders in the art of kinder, gentler community policing, even as some protesters, who may substantially outnumber law enforcement, plan civil disobedience and worse for our fair Twin Cities next week. Yet the overwhelming show of force displayed in Denver this week during the Democratic National Convention has without doubt discouraged widespread mayhem there.

Visitors and citizens should bear in mind that next week, the Twin Cities will be the focus of probably the most intense security environment in its history. Protesters are planning to push their street theater to the limits and beyond, perhaps infringing on Republicans' right to peaceably assemble, and on others just minding their own business. This is not a drill — or a game. I have faith that local law enforcement will do their duty professionally and lawfully. May they never have to use a "big stick," but I hope that they will have one at the ready just in case.

Protesters welcome here, police on their own?

LT. GORMAN: "Look... we can't have any firing in there. I, uh... I want you to collect magazines from everybody."
PVT. FROST: "What the hell are we supposed to use man? Harsh language?"

—from Aliens (1986)

Chris Baker (100.3 KTLK-FM) on his radio show this morning relayed a report from the StarTribune that Twin Cities cops are being told by their politician bosses to show their kinder, gentler side to anarchist vandals and free-speech oppressors to the 2008 Republican Convention to be hosted here this fall.

"Officers have been told that Tasers and chemical sprays will be limited to reduce the risk of abuse," according to the report. "Those on the 'front lines' will be prohibited from wearing helmets and carrying riot shields because such gear would appear 'intimidating.'"

It appears that the mission on the ground has changed from law enforcement to public relations. This is a developing story.

UPDATE: Minneapolis Deputy Police Chief Robert Allen told Chris Baker that he has not received the letter mentioned in the Strib, and that officer safety and law enforcement are their top priority. Where did the Strib get this letter?

UPDATE: Baker spoke with Police Federation President John Delmonico, who like Allen was also quoted in the Strib story. Delmonico stands by his serious concerns about MPD administration commitment to officer safety and riot control. Baker is on this story like white on rice. Stay tuned.