Cops' tab in DNC protester cases: $20,000
By Sue Lindsay, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 10, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.
Updated December 10, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.
So far, it has cost taxpayers $20,000 for Denver police to prepare and testify in trials of protesters arrested during the Democratic National Convention this summer, according to figures compiled by the city.
The tally came in response to a request by the People's Law Project, which has stressed that prosecuting the protester cases is a waste of taxpayer money.
About 100 people were arrested Aug. 25 for blocking 15th Street at Court Place. About 60 people were set for trials that began in October and will continue into January. About half of those cases have been resolved by trial, dismissal or guilty plea.
So far, five people have been convicted by juries.
"The 316 hours is nearly 40 days of police time spent by police officers in court of preparing for court instead of being out fighting crime," said Brian Vi cente, director of the People's Law Project which helped find lawyers for the arrested protesters. "This is a major expense to prosecute people who were just out there trying to exercise their free speech rights," he said.
lindsays@rockymountainnews.com or 303-954-5181
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December 10, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
I'll pay more to see them in jail for a stint.
December 10, 2008
4:04 p.m.
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Tunlrat writes:
What is Vicente, a statistician for the media? If it was newsworthy to find this crap out I'm sure the media would be all over it without Vicente calling them to report it. Defend your clients and stop worrying about it.
December 10, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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joecode writes:
Justice isn't supposed to be a profitable endeavor, Mr. Vicente. Convicting a violent criminal and sending him to prison uses nothing but taxpayer dollars. The DNC protesters violated laws intended to protect the safety of others. You can't turn a blind eye to that.
December 10, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
The DA is not running a business. Name me one crimminal trial that has ever been cost effective. This guy really sounds like a whiner.
December 10, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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UNV_ME writes:
The people arrested were mostly young kids. They most likely don't know the specifics as to why they were protesting. Like most kids... they need to learn the hard way.
December 10, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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River_Bolden writes:
The better question is....
How much did it cost the Denver PD to dress up as protesters and cause trouble and put on an admitted staged event as a pretext to go after the peaceful protesters or to increase their own riot control tactics?
How much did it cost to try to cover it up & then have to admit it?
Smells like a diversion article by the Denver PD.
-RB
December 10, 2008
4:50 p.m.
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dftoad writes:
As a percentage of the $50 million Denver got to deal with the mess, it is a small price to pay. Jail as many of the pukes as possible, but make sure you are costing them time and money all the way.
December 10, 2008
5:15 p.m.
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enough321 writes:
Total waste of money and police, prosecutor, and court time. But that's ok because all of the "law and order" types are willing to pay a little extra in taxes this year to cover it, aren't you guys?
Justice was dispensed at the time, when they were arrested, jailed for several hours, and then had to post bail. The rest is just a waste.
December 10, 2008
6:28 p.m.
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Denverboy1 writes:
Hay you cried about NOT getting the numbers......Ok now you have them... It's alot no doubt..But your Job is to defend the Protesters....That is your job... The City gets to haul them in to court..thats there job... I agree that it's a waste of money..but it's not like government is a well oiled machine...they spend millions just to study a project...then walk away from it... Hey it's the way it is.....
December 10, 2008
7:14 p.m.
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tfooq writes:
Hey, spending tax payer money to enforce a mass suppression of free speech is a great idea! They are getting what they deserve for trying to voice opposition! This is America. You love your government and your police are never wrong! Those little pukes should be locked up forever, no matter how much it costs. We can't have them giving out anymore free food at Food Not Bombs or helping poor children get and maintain their bicycles! This is America. Those little pukes can buy their own bikes!
December 10, 2008
8:48 p.m.
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drkenne writes:
I'm sure the DA could put the $20K and his time to much better use than trying to stiffle free speech and expression...wait didn't denver already do that with it's massive show of force during the convention?
Wasting time and money for what...blocking a street? Give me a break.
Got to love the Greeks though...they know how to throw a protest and fight back. Makes what allegedly ocurred in Denver pale in comparison. I commend those 100 for resisting and not being sheep. After the last 8 years and the current mess the US is in, there should be more outrage.