[Scan-DC] Next Weekend's IMF/WB Protests

[Alan Henney]

Seems we've been going through this protest prep scenario a couple times a
year now.  Here's the link to the CHM newsletter that covers what was
supposed to have been last fall's protest.

If you have trouble printing the newsletter, try setting all of your
browser's margins to zero.

http://henney.com/chm/0901/

Please post freqs for the out-of-town police departments, and any others of
interest.


      *********************************************
      MPDC PREPARES FOR WEEKEND OF PROTESTS
      *********************************************
      On the weekend of September 28-29, the International Monetary Fund and
World Bank Group will hold their annual meetings in downtown DC. A large,
but undetermined number of protestors opposed to the policies of the two
organizations is also expected over the weekend and during the days leading
up to the meetings. For example, one protest group, the Anti-Capitalist
Convergence, has called for a "Day of Non-Compliance and Resistance" on
Friday, September 27th, with the stated goal of shutting down DC. The MPDC,
with the support of other law enforcement agencies, is working hard to plan
for and respond quickly to any incidents that may occur during the IMF/World
Bank meetings and related protests. All sworn MPDC officers and essential
civilian employees are working extended, 12-hour shifts beginning September
26, and members' days off have been adjusted and leave has been restricted
to ensure a strong police presence at the IMF/World Bank events and in DC
neighborhoods. Staffing of neighborhood PSAs will actually be increased, not
reduced, during that weekend. This is made possible by the support the MPDC
is receiving not only from other law enforcement agencies in District and
region, but also from cities as far away as Chicago, Charlotte-Mecklenburg
(NC), Dayton (OH), Macon (GA) and the New Jersey State Police. The MPDC's
Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) will be activated, including the
Closed Circuit Television Network that will monitor public spaces around
many of the event sites. For more information about the meetings, expected
protests and police preparations, visit:
      http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/IMF/imf_fall02.shtm

      FOOTNOTE: Street closures and parking restrictions around the IMF and
World Bank buildings are still being finalized. This information will be
disseminated through the news media and update regularly at:
      http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/IMF/imf_fall02_street.shtm

      *********************************************
      IMF/WORLD BANK SAFETY TIPS FOR RESIDENTS,
      BUSINESSES, COMMUTERS AND VISITORS
      *********************************************
      The MPDC is once again asking for the community's help during the
upcoming IMF/World Bank events. One important way in which the public can
help is by staying informed. The MPDC is working closely with local and
national news media to ensure that accurate information is disseminated on a
timely basis. The MPDC Website will also be updated continuously. Other
recommendations: 1) Use public transportation if traveling in DC, especially
on Friday, September 27th; some protestors have vowed to snarl traffic and
cause other disruptions throughout the city on that date. 2) Remain vigilant
and report any unusual or suspicious activities to the police, either
through 9-1-1 (for public safety emergencies) or 3-1-1 (for police
non-emergencies). 3) If you work near the IMF/World Bank buildings, carry
business-issued identification cards to facilitate access into their
buildings. 4) Businesses in the immediate area should reschedule deliveries
expected for September 27-29, make alternative arrangements for garbage
pick-up, and remove any large dumpsters from the area. 5) Businesses and
property managers should also secure, or take indoors, loose articles such
as flowerpots, tables, chairs, umbrellas, ashtrays and garbage cans.
      For more safety tips and precautions, go to:
      http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/IMF/imf_fall02_safetytips.shtm

      FOOTNOTE: In support of the MPDC's call to use public transportation
on September 27th, Metro will have extra capacity to accommodate increased
passenger load on that date. For Metro information, call (202) 637-7000 or
visit:
      a href=http://www.wmata.com