HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/16/2021 Item 7, Rowley
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Sandra Rowley <
To:Harmon, Heidi; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan
Cc:Johnson, Derek; Smith, Jeff; CityClerk
Subject:Subject: Item 7, After Action Review of June Protest
Mayor Harmon and Members of the Council,
First of all, the effects of tear gas are temporary and have no lasting effects. I know this first-hand. I was
exposed to tear gas in a closed room when I was in the military, not outside where the effects are lessened. It
was certainly unpleasant, but once I went outside the tear gas dissipated and the irritation to my eyes, nose
and throat went away; and there were no after-effects.
As I said in my previous letter (June 16, 2020), although the demonstration held on June 1st began
peacefully, it did not remain so. I cannot imagine being a person who has chosen a profession which is
dedicated to protecting people and property, and then being assailed with taunts of “f ” the police. I cannot
imagine standing pat like our police officers did while rocks, bottles and firecrackers were thrown at
them. And I cannot imagine this happening in San Luis Obispo where at least we used to be able to engage in
discussion rather than harassment.
Some individuals have indicated that you should ban the use of various crowd-control measures, especially
tear gas, designed to disperse unruly crowds. I imagine that police officers would like you to ban the use of
the rocks, bottles, fireworks and other projectiles that were or could be directed at them - but unruly crowds
by their nature do not abide by such restrictions.
Our police department needs all of the tools available to them to keep officers, other protest participants, and
the rest of us and our property/businesses safe. I urge you not to limit the resources/tools available to our
police. To do so could have serious negative unintended consequences in the future.
I support our police retaining the "tear gas tool" in case it's ever needed again. On this occasion lesser
methods did not work. The San Luis Obispo Police Department supports those who live, work and visit
here. It is right and proper for us to support them.
Sincerely,
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident
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