HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/23/2021 Item 1, Rowley
Sandra Rowley <
To:Harmon, Heidi; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan
Cc:Johnson, Derek; Smith, Jeff; CityClerk
Subject:Item #1, Continued After Action Review
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Mayor Harmon and Members of the Council,
You are being asked to receive and file this report. I hope you will do so without further action.
We have all seen on television and/or the internet what happens when police actions are ham-strung by
policies about what they (the police) may or may not do in order to protect the public. It is not a pretty sight
and puts everyone -- the general public, their homes and businesses, the officers and the protesters -- in
harm's way.
Our officers acted in the best way possible once the crowd of protesters became rowdy and
unmanageable. They made announcements to disperse for one hour... one hour. Some individuals may not
have heard the first announcement, but by the end of the hour I imagine everyone was aware of the order --
but declined to comply. The next steps were pepper shot and rubber bullets. And still there was non-
compliance. Tear gas was used as a last resort before physical restraint was needed. Fortunately for all
concerned, this worked.
The tear gas was not at fault. Neither were the other crowd-control measures employed. The individuals who
had morphed from peaceful protesters into an unruly crowd were at fault.
The "tools" our officers have may not be needed for years to come. Maybe never. But it is important that
those tools be available in case they are needed again.
Sincerely,
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident
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