Tear gas and pepper spray are not appropriate weapons to use against people who pose no threat to officer or public safety. Yet many more reforms are needed, from suspending the use of tear gas and pepper spray until their health effects have been fully studied to requiring the City Council to ratify any declaration of civil emergency within 48 hours. The ACLU has urged the Seattle Police Department to develop a comprehensive crowd control manual outlining the proper way to handle gatherings and disturbances - something that the department still lacks. The SPD needs to make sure its officers understand the importance of safeguarding free speech and are trained in how to protect public safety and civil liberties. Last year's events highlighted more than ever the need for an open and responsive system for investigating allegations of misconduct by police officers.
Citizens deserve a fair way to address the actions of officers who used excessive force last year.
It is high time Seattle completed implementation of the OPA to ensure accountability and public trust. This year, we hope things go differently. Whatever the activity on Seattle streets, sidewalks, parks, or plazas, we expect the police to respond in appropriate yet restrained ways. The solution to the problems of last year's WTO activities is not to crack down harder on demonstrators - it is to preserve civil liberties and public safety. 705 2nd Ave.