Lynch said that he hopes not to see a repeat of the massive demonstrations that took place in New York City prior to the officers being indicted. And heavy metal barricades lined the sidewalks. Jurors, who began arriving periodically beginning at approximately 8 a.m., passed through the barricades, which resemble bike racks, to get to the front door of the courthouse, which was being guarded by Albany police officers and county sheriff's deputies. About 300 potential jurors were expected today, and jury selection is expected to take at least a week. Alice Green, executive director of the Center for Law and Justice in Albany, noted that the demonstrations in NYC, while not violent, utilized civil disobedience, whereas only peaceful protest is planned for Albany.
Demonstrators have no plans for attempting to be arrested, according to organizers.
City Department of Recreation workers set up a portable podium in the corner of Academy Park at Eagle and Elk streets. Police were present around the park, with officers staying at the periphery of the demonstration, including two officers on horseback at the far fringes of the crowd. About a dozen asked to be excused for personal reasons, including a woman who said she had children at home, a man with a letter from his doctor that said he has a back problem, and a man who said he'd worked in the Bronx for seven years and could not be impartial. Teresi told potential jurors they must apply the law in the case even if they personally disagree, that they must listen to the evidence inside the courtroom and nothing outside. He said they could not read local newspapers, or else have their families cut out stories about the trial before they see them, and switch off local broadcast accounts.