Free Speech, Part II (Not so Sweet)

Many sources are reporting Federal Judge Robert Sweet's ruling limiting the NYPD's actions during protests in the upcoming Republican National Convention.  Some observations:

• The Judge ruled that blanket searches of backpacks was not permitted.  However, the police could still use metal detecting hand wands and search if there is a specific threat.  Apparently Judge Sweet has never heard of C-4 (which could be detonated with a cell phone AKA Madrid) or anthrax.
• The ruling also prohibits the NYPD from using metal barricades--although the extent of this prohibition is not clear.  Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne responded:

  The decision does not cause the Police Department to change any plans or tactics for safeguarding the Republican National Convention or the demonstrations associated with it. In effect, the court accepted existing department practices as reasonable and rational.

• The Times reports that the metal barricades were not being banned but police had to provide reasonable access to and from the protest sites. 

It's unclear to Base10 how this will shake out, but both sides seem to be claiming victory.  However, the cover of the Daily News says it all.

UPDATE:  Maybe somebody should read Judge Sweet this story about how a transit cop was hurt when a backpack containing improvised explosives exploded on the Time Square station last night. 


- posted by Base10 @ 10:06 AM