Spokane police share tactics for handling protesters

The Spokane Police Department revealed its tactics for dealing with protesters Monday when an officer showed a video detailing how police removed and arrested three people who chained themselves to Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena doors in September to protest a circus.

The video, which was played during the Spokane City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting Monday morning, showed police officers contacting the protesters, asking them to leave and then cutting through the chains when they refused to unlock themselves.

Spokane police Lt. Dave McGovern explained how officers gave the protesters multiple chances to leave voluntarily.

When they did not, police placed blue tarps in front of each person as they worked to remove their chains with an electric saw.

Protesters were protected from sparks by pads placed behind their backs and masked welder’s helmets.

McGovern also described the protesters’ decision to go limp after the chains were removed as a common protest tactic.

“Is that resisting arrest?” asked Councilwoman Mary Verner, the mayor-elect.

“Yes,” McGovern said.

The protesters face charges of resisting arrest and trespass.

“I thought the video demonstrated that the police acted appropriately,” Verner said. “They even allowed them to complete making their statements.”

That demonstration speech prompted an outburst by Councilman Bob Apple, who didn’t want to hear it.

“Is there any reason we need to watch the entire protest speech?” Apple asked before he stormed out of the room, mumbling an expletive.

Apple later said the purpose of the public safety committee meeting isn’t to listen to political speeches.

“If they want to show us the procedures, that’s OK,” he said.