Yesterday, Mayor Joyce Craig posted this:
I stand with all those who are peacefully protesting the unjust killing of George Floyd, and the racism and violence directed at Black Americans across our country. We know we must do better, and I remain committed to listening to and supporting our community during this time of mourning and outrage.
Peaceful protest to bring attention to systemic racism is right, but causing destruction to our communities is not.
The Manchester Police Department has heard of potential threats to our City and are taking them extremely seriously. Our Emergency Operations Center will be open and operating this evening, and while we are hoping for a peaceful night in Manchester, the City is prepared for any scenario. We are working with our state and federal partners to ensure the safety of our City, and I am thankful to all of our first responders for all that they have done to keep Manchester safe and treat the people of our community with respect and compassion.
In response, I posted the following questions for Mayor Joyce Craig:
1. Will the MPD un-encrypt their police scanners so we can hear what is happening real-time (like it used to be until 2016 when, without any public input, they hid this important citizen’s oversight tool from us)?
2. Will the BEARCAT be brought out?
3. What other agencies, other than MPD, are being used? You mention “federal.” Which ones? Under what authority/law?
4. Will the MPD’s body cameras be switched on? Will this footage be made available to the public upon request, as Chief Capano is on the record saying BWC footage would be?
5. Are any MPD officers working tonight also on the secret Laurie’s List (EES) of bad cops? If so, how many?
6. What use of force has been authorized? E.g. tear gas, rubber bullets, tazers, etc.
7. How much is this costing the taxpayers? Where is it accounted for (line item/budget)?
My point being, we need to end police militarization and policing in secret in order to restore public trust. You can start by answering my questions. I hope everyone is safe tonight. Thank you. #NHPolitics #NoPoliceStateNH
And followed up this morning with these additional comments:
If you are genuine in your desire to fix problems in Manchester, you need to address these questions. The MPD has been getting away with too much in the dark for too long…
Did you know body cam footage is apparently NOT subject to Right-to-Know… why would this be the case other than to hide things?
Why are the police scanners encrypted? Do the militarized police see ordinary citizens as the enemy?
Remember this case? Look at the shocking lack of oversight we can expect from the AG’s office… the same individuals who are keeping a list of bad cops secret from the public even after a judge ruled in April last year that it should be disclosed because it is in the public interest to know who officers with “sustained findings of misconduct” are…
I wonder if any MPD officers are on that list? Or, are any of these officers still employed in NH?