City of Asheville Staff Emails: Occupy Asheville

From: Sgt. Jonathan Brown

Subject: Occupy Asheville

Date: 2011-10-16 04:32:21

To:

Lt. and Capt.,



Let me share a couple of things in regards to the Occupy Asheville
group. First, the officers are doing a great job of messaging this
ongoing saga with this group. Our main objective was to keep everyone
safe, which we did and not to be the next day headline if we could help
it. So far so good.



My gut feeling with this group is that they are starting to spread their
wings more and more and I sense that they are not going to be satisfied
with what has been given to them by the city and will resort to other
means to attract the attention that they desire. My observation is that
there is a certain element within this group that is becoming
increasingly antagonistic toward APD as we try to maintain order. I
would not be surprised to see an increase in vandalism, nuisance crimes
and a faction challenge officers in attempt to get a negative, if not
violent response. At this point, everyone knows each encounter is being
recorded and officers are maintaining the professional standard that is
expected.



I have read that Raleigh arrested 19 for trespass violation, NYC has had
use of force situations where violence has broken out and I wonder if
this local group are taking their cues from larger, more prominent
groups as their behavior continues to evolve. I share this to say that
any direction, guidance or information from the command level would be
welcome as we journey through this! I know the city has made certain
concessions and I want to make sure we are acting in concert with the
goals and objectives of command and city staff from the operational
level.



As I told Sgt Pruett, I am building West Asheville up as the land of
milk and honey! Perhaps they would become interested in what it might
offer. J



Let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions or ideas. Thanks, JB



Sgt. Jonathan Brown

South/Central District Supervisor

828-552-9399

jbrown@ashevillenc.gov

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