I'm disgusted by all this. And they have the temerity to call themselves the greatest country on Earth? Yeah, right! I was absolutely speechless watching CNN late last night when perfectly peaceful protestors, including press, were violently cleared away by police - and incredibly, the military - just so Trump could saunter over to a church and hold up a Bible for a photo opportunity. No "democracy" should behave like that.
Some of the behaviour of the media in all this, and where they choose to stand, is questionable. There's absolutely no need or excuse for members of the media to be shot at. However if you're in the way of the police in a riot situation literally anywhere in the world, they won't politely ask you to move regardless of location, police force, country, skin colour etc.
That's why on the relevant public disorder training courses in the UK, the general rule of covering riots is that you never,
ever
get in between protestors and the police. If you do, you find a way out and avoid becoming the story.
That's why on the relevant public disorder training courses in the UK, the general rule of covering riots is that you never,
ever
get in between protestors and the police. If you do, you find a way out and avoid becoming the story.
The other side to it being if anyone is in the way they get 'pushed' (be it ordered to get back, moving because of a running line of cops coming towards them or being physically struck with shields or batons) back the same as anybody else, usually with sufficient warning given by the PSU bronze. If people started getting into the area behind a PSU or section of a PSU that poses an officer safety risk and compromises the (hopefully) sterile area behind the section or unit.
I'm not sure of the legitimacy of the press (or passive protesters as opposed to rioters) being fired upon with CS, AEP rounds or live bullets is though; the way the US Law Enforcement use force is alien to me, seems a bit carte blanche.
The demonstrations then leading to looting and violence is very similar to what happened here in 2011. The way journalists have been targeted during this is quite shocking on one hand, but not on another when you see the way Trump has spoken about the media in the last 4 years.
That's why on the relevant public disorder training courses in the UK, the general rule of covering riots is that you never,
ever
get in between protestors and the police. If you do, you find a way out and avoid becoming the story.
The other side to it being if anyone is in the way they get 'pushed' (be it ordered to get back, moving because of a running line of cops coming towards them or being physically struck with shields or batons) back the same as anybody else, usually with sufficient warning given by the PSU bronze. If people started getting into the area behind a PSU or section of a PSU that poses an officer safety risk and compromises the (hopefully) sterile area behind the section or unit.
I'm not sure of the legitimacy of the press (or passive protesters as opposed to rioters) being fired upon with CS, AEP rounds or live bullets is though; the way the US Law Enforcement use force is alien to me, seems a bit carte blanche.
Exactly. There is usually sufficient warning given and if broadcasters decide to put inexperienced people in that position, then you have to question whether they value the safety of their staff just to get the picture.
I've been at disorder in Northern Ireland several times with rubber bullets, projectiles, water canon, lasers and more... you darn well know when the police are about to move, not just because warnings have been given.
The other issue is, do the US have a clear method of having accredited media like the UK's NUJ Press card? Given most of the media would obviously be using smaller cameras now with Live-U/equivalent, there would definitely need to be a clear way to distinguish between CNN / ABC and a Facebooker wanting a few likes for his or her live stream who has bought a helmet and made their own PRESS stab vest with a sharpie.
There's also the International Association of Press Photographers and the US Press Association which issue them to their members - these are commonly recognised.
Many police departments seem to be operating an "arrest everyone and we'll release the press when we get round to it" policy.
Some of the behaviour of the media in all this, and where they choose to stand, is questionable. There's absolutely no need or excuse for members of the media to be shot at. However if you're in the way of the police in a riot situation literally anywhere in the world, they won't politely ask you to move regardless of location, police force, country, skin colour etc.
That's why on the relevant public disorder training courses in the UK, the general rule of covering riots is that you never,
ever
get in between protestors and the police. If you do, you find a way out and avoid becoming the story.
Exactly. Everyone seems to be searching for that next ''I was hit by a policeman'' viral moment.
Yes, the police is too brutal but let's not act as if the media is all so innocent.....
Now just to make sure the police and National Guard know exactly who you represent, this local reporter on KARE in Minneapolis goes full on brand this morning.
