Zaphar has offered to organize Keene Copwatch.
To further this end, I have created a helpful subdomain:
http://CopWatch.FreeKeene.com
Some ideas that were brainstormed today include:
- Cop watching on Main Street, late Saturday nights.
- Reflective vests or press badges for cop watchers.
- Setting up a scanner locked into the Keene police frequency, and streaming it online so people can listen from anywhere with Internet access.
Yes indeed, Zaphar! I have a scanner to donate.
I have no idea who Zaphar is, but I love him (or her) very much ;D
If there's a call for donations, I will heed it.
I actually get a fair number of referrals to Anarchy In Your Head from Copwatch.com. I know I've posted there once or twice, but I wonder if some others have posted toons there as well.
Eleven at night, I presume. Today or Saturday. Can we get a calendar entry?
Quote from: zaphar on April 08, 2008, 12:34 AM NHFT
If someone could help out with making the "cop watcher" badges, I'd greatly appreciate it since my printing capabilities are somewhat limited.
I have badge holders and some extra lanyards. Send me the badges and I will print them out for you.
I also have two handheld GMRS/FRS 2-ways that you are welcome to use for communications between CopWatchers.
I also have a MiniDV camcorder (three actually) and a voice recorder for audio, and am very willing to help out when my schedule permits. Badges/IDs are a good idea, vests feel like a very situational thing to wear, and not for every instance of recording.
As I told some other people, I would love to use my CopWatch ID as my picture ID for getting into campus dorms that require guests to "check in" for some stupid reason.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on April 08, 2008, 12:01 PM NHFT
I also have two handheld GMRS/FRS 2-ways that you are welcome to use for communications between CopWatchers.
Are these standard portable walkie-talkies? I also have a pair of those, and I think most all of them work on the same frequency. I like putting them on an earbud in my ear; makes me look official.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on April 08, 2008, 11:59 AM NHFT
Quote from: zaphar on April 08, 2008, 12:34 AM NHFT
If someone could help out with making the "cop watcher" badges, I'd greatly appreciate it since my printing capabilities are somewhat limited.
I have badge holders and some extra lanyards. Send me the badges and I will print them out for you.
FYI: Badges should be no larger than 6cm H x 9cm W.
Note, my badge holders are open at the top, therefore are not too effective in the rain. :(
Quote from: Coconut on April 08, 2008, 12:03 PM NHFT
Are these standard portable walkie-talkies? I also have a pair of those, and I think most all of them work on the same frequency. I like putting them on an earbud in my ear; makes me look official.
They are GMRS/FRS.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on April 08, 2008, 12:14 PM NHFT
Note, my badge holders are open at the top, therefore are not too effective in the rain. :(
Kat mentioned in another thread of those $2 laminating kits. It might be a good idea to pre-laminate your ID, then slip it into a holder. I'd just do it at work, since I laminate things as my day job. Anyone else wanting a simple gloss or matte laminate can ask me as well of course. I could take your ID and do it, or cut you a piece of laminate that you would fold over flat over your badge, and cut around with a razor or scissors.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on April 08, 2008, 12:17 PM NHFT
Quote from: Coconut on April 08, 2008, 12:03 PM NHFT
Are these standard portable walkie-talkies? I also have a pair of those, and I think most all of them work on the same frequency. I like putting them on an earbud in my ear; makes me look official.
They are GMRS/FRS.
I have no idea what that means, but I googled it and it looks like the same thing I have.
If I remember I should be there. On Bike. :D
Quote from: David on April 08, 2008, 02:24 PM NHFT
If I remember I should be there. On Bike. :D
are we confirmed that this is 11pm tonight? Or some other time?
A low cost do it yourself method of identifying ourselves and out intents, is to take large T shirts, (so it can fit over coats) and a glitter glue and write Cop Watch on the front and back.
Quote from: David on April 09, 2008, 01:41 PM NHFT
A low cost do it yourself method of identifying ourselves and out intents, is to take large T shirts, (so it can fit over coats) and a glitter glue and write Cop Watch on the front and back.
That's where the reflective vests idea came from. Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-0833479-6251620?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=reflective+vest&x=0&y=0)
Wow..that's damn cheap. Now, which to choose?
The easiest way I could think of marking "cop watch" on them would be to use industrial letter stickers or interlocking brass stencils and some spray paint.
Both of which I can't find online. I'm sure Home Depot has them though.
Nice. Julia and I will need one each. I need to find out the sizing details...
If you want to see a lot of cops in action, station yourselves next to Dunkin Donuts.
From the Amazon dealer:
Chest size for Medium = 38-40"
Chest size for Large = 42-44"
I like it.
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on April 06, 2008, 08:41 PM NHFT
Yes indeed, Zaphar! I have a scanner to donate.
We may have to re-gift it back to you. It works great at what it does, but unfortunately it does not do APCO-25, which is what Keene police are using. :-[
Cheshire County Sheriff is still using analog, so it picks them up just fine. Turns out that's who we were monitoring on Saturday night, Zaphar.
APCO-25 capable scanners are quite pricey, $400+. :'(
The other thread is gone.
I just wanted to say I spoke quickly with officer Eli Rivera tonight and asked him what he thought of CopWatch. He told me the standard "It's fine so long as nobody is interfering" but added that if anything did happen, they could legally seize our cameras as evidence and call us to court as witnesses.
What happened to the other thread?
We were out again tonight. Talked to one cop twice, and I've attached the recording of those conversations. He was just asking about how late we'd be out and how much gets posted to the internet.
We also watched two underage (18) guys get busted on Marlborough Street (corner of Adams). One was written a $360 ticket, and the other was taken to the station for his lack of ID on him, meaning they couldn't write an accurate ticket. This is why we need more Main Street cops: to protect us from people drinking beer on the sidewalk... The two guys were first questioned by a bike cop downtown. Later, the bike cop saw Tim standing outside his cruiser listening to the radio and goes "So that's how you know where we are. I was wondering how you got to Adams Street so quickly." Truth was, and I told him this, I just found the Adams street incident by chance while taking a look up on Marlborough Street, but he didn't believe me.
They prolly do not realize just how bright those flashing lights are at night. I can see the light bouncing off of anything remotely reflective, whole houses even.
Quote from: David on June 21, 2008, 08:30 PM NHFT
They prolly do not realize just how bright those flashing lights are at night. I can see the light bouncing off of anything remotely reflective, whole houses even.
Good point. But they didn't have their lights on for that incident.
Great work guys :)
I was over at Toby's house last night when I saw some lights out his window. We went outside with a camera. The passenger asked me what I was doing so I walked up a few feet from the vehicle to tell them about copwatch. That's when the backup officer yelled "Sir. Step back from the vehicle." After the incident was over, the primary officer told me that I shouldn't approach a vehicle that's been pulled over for my own protection because "For all I know they just robbed a bank." I made the obvious statement that "well then that could be anyone on the street." "That's right. Just assume the worst and you'll be safe."
I also clarified what he meant my "approach." Apparently he is fine with me yelling from a distance about what I'm doing, but stepping too close is unsafe. Whatever. I need to get in the habit of asking these officer's names any time they talk to me.
Clearly this cop thinks you should avoid all people and become a hermit, because anyone could be a dangerous criminal, and you should assume that they all are.
Apparently this is how a lot of cops see the general public: everyone is a criminal they just haven't caught yet.
Quote from: Coconut on June 29, 2008, 10:41 AM NHFT
After the incident was over, the primary officer told me that I shouldn't approach a vehicle that's been pulled over for my own protection because "For all I know they just robbed a bank."
It's only because if you get hurt, the cop is responsible—because he caused the stop. I think highline posted about this earlier; it's called a "State-created danger" situation, and it's the only time a cop is actually legally liable for failing to protect someone.
Anybody want to go out tonight in about 4-5 hours? (10 or 11) I know it's short notice but my night just freed up and I have nothing else to do. If you've never been, expect:
1. no action
2. people (drunk and not) yelling at you (friendly and not)
3. Police grumbling about you while you stand and watch them; saying such things as "They have nothing better to do with their lives."
I go on a bike for better coverage and for something to do. My first priority when going out at night is to enjoy my bike ride. The second is to watch for police encounters.
Edit 10:15 pm: I'll have my phone on if you want to try and catch up with me. I probably won't stay out too late if it's just me, but time tends to escape me. I will also have a set of low-range 2-way-radios for splitting up. 603-313-4421
Well after we left Ian and Julia, David and I ran into Maxfield arresting a DWI. After that came an extended conversation.
We saw a cop pull a u-turn on Maple Ave where there wasn't enough room so he almost hit a tree in his excitement to pull over some poor schlep for nothing.
Right after Coconut and I talked to Lt. Maxfield, He went south, and two cop cars a ways behind him did a u turn on main. Possibly where U turn Dave got ticketed for.
Well, it's OK for the elite.
Quote from: David on July 13, 2008, 09:40 PM NHFT
Right after Coconut and I talked to Lt. Maxfield, He went south, and two cop cars a ways behind him did a u turn on main. Possibly where U turn Dave got ticketed for.
Two fights and a prowler in fairly rapid succession after this, according to the log.
Hey Maxfield, did you see this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=2yxjNAt_Jdk)?
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 20, 2008, 11:14 PM NHFT
Hey Maxfield, did you see this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=2yxjNAt_Jdk)?
Sure did, I was on the same email that you got. I sent back a couple of corrections to the transcript, not sure if they were applied or not.
I had asked Sam if there were any "right" answers the judge could have given, didn't get an answer but maybe I missed it. I thought the judge could've helped the situation by at least trying to give some answers.
Quote from: 'Shane Maxfield'I thought the judge could've helped the situation by at least trying to give some answers.
I dunno if asking this is opening a can of worms but... You've said how you things could have been better, but what would you consider is "worse"? Seriously, the ONLY positive I take out of that entire thing is that Sam wasn't the victim of direct violence. How could that situation have gotten worse in your opinion?
Hey Shane,
I was wondering what happened. I didn't get an email back. I just searched through everything and couldn't find anything under Shane or Maxfield as the sender. Did it come from your work address? I do appreciate your reply, and if you can send it again, I would be interested in reading.
To answer your question. Yes there were right answers under your laws. I think James and Raymond (the judges) knew that providing those answers meant they would have to dismiss my case, and being right is too important. To be fair, James did answer some questions, but basically gave the same response when it came time to answer the big ones that contradict the earlier obvious questions like: "Am I entitled to a fair and meaningful trial free of conflicts of interest?" and "Am I entitled to responsive answers to my questions?" I had submitted the tougher questions to the court in the film, so he knew right were I was going, and was determined shut me up with threats, intimidation, and forced proceedings.
Now, had I broken into someone's car, then the questions could also have a right answer that would end in the state continuing the complaint against me:
Yes, Sam, the car belonging to ____ was parked on ________ at ____ time. You were seen by ____ using a screwdriver to break the window, you were then observed you taking ____ from the vehicle belonging to _____. The property was later found ____. The screwdriver found at the scene had your fingerprints on it, and your blood matches blood found at the scene, and is consistent with the cut on your arm.
That's a case with a Corpus Delecti, and the complainant could lay out the facts connecting me as the cause of the loss. That would still leave the conflict of interest inherent in the process, and I asked to move the dispute to 3rd party arbitration, which was ignored in one case and denied in the other two.
Kevin - There's lots more you haven't seen. I was attacked 3 times in the last 2 weeks doing this. I'm working on the footage, and figuring out how to present it. One guy tried to rip the camera from my hand, I was pushed one time, and my movements blocked with a gentle push another time. Not a big deal compared to some cops beating people with handcuffs for refusing to come over granted, but I was within my rights in each case.
The thing I find most intriguing is when they called the 4 police out at the second pretrial. They sent the new guy away, as he was actually communicating and making progress with me. Then the supervisor (sergeant I think) showing up the next day as the bailiff. . . I think he was looking to crack some heads. His initial comments to me were filled with anger and tension.
Of course I brought front and center the fact that everything he told himself about protecting and serving, upholding the constitution, bill of rights, the rule of law, etc. was nothing more than lip service , and when it came down to it, he folded like a cheap suit to uphold his own power, authority, and career in the department. I think he wanted revenge because I showed that to him. I saw his cheek twitch which is a micro facial expression for rage. I commend him for not acting on it, beating the crap out of me, and I think the camera, location, and off-site recording via cellphone protected me.
There's a 50th anniversary celebration for the city's police department coming up, and I'm thinking about attending with my camera. I could probably get some great undercover footage, by simply interviewing them. :) I'm also planning to go Monday to play the video to the city council. I want to know that I have tried everything, given them every opportunity. . .
SamIam
Quote from: 'SamIAm'There's lots more you haven't seen. I was attacked 3 times in the last 2 weeks doing this. I'm working on the footage, and figuring out how to present it.
I know that a simple push is a bit too far, especially when they demand you presence in a place. That said, if all the police and government goons could do was give people a hearty shove you'd see a LOT more people resisting them. When I say "direct violence" I do mean "cracking heads" as you put it. I would also consider wrestling you to the ground, slapping cuffs on your and then physically dragging your off to the cage to be "violence". None of that happened as far as I can tell. I commend you for keeping your cool, honestly, and I really do appreciate your persistance (and shall I say, your plethora of balls for doing that alone).
I get the impression that Shane accepts there was somethign wrong with what happened, but for him I don't think it's as monumental as it is for me, and I'm curious what more could have happened, if anything at all, that would make him see the court as a sham. The judge and his bodyguards ignored several constitutions, which are the highest laws in the land. If those laws mean nothing, what action of the court could possibly have happened to expose the others as "waivable" too? I really want to make sure my question doesn't appear combative because it's one that really does matter to me. I've got a lot of friends that, when presented with police state and liberty violations and such simply stare in stunned silence when they are asked "What more would it take to show you this is wrong".
Agreed Kevin.
I think the smart thing for them to have done would be to simply let me walk into the court room with the camera, and then arrest me for breaking the law. Of course, that would require a law to exist, and my guess is it doesn't; so they have to resort to these tactics.
Your comment about your friends; That's exactly what I'm considering doing with the footage. Short clips that open with me saying something like, What would it take for you to change your belief in government? Police who don't know if they swore an oath to the Constitution? The very bedrock of their authority. . . Roll the footage.
Lost of these that point back to the Court of Public Relations, could be very effective. I'll fold the complete footage into the feature length film down the road.
AnarchoJesse and I are going down for a little bit now. I guess a few street musicians have been bothered by police today.
A guy was issued a summands tonight for needing to use the restroom... and not waiting until he was out of central square to take care of it.
Maxfield was out. He waited until I got behind him (on my bike), and stopped in the middle of Main Street so I would go around him and he could start a short conversation with me.
Edit: I also had a conversation with 2 high school students about the high school resource officer. They told me "He's not needed" "He makes everything worse" "If a freshman gets in a fight, he can get a fine now. It doesn't need to be like that." The Sentinel and the police want the community to think the general student consensus is positive toward a police officer in school. It very well may be, since 2 boys' opinions don't prove anything, but at least some of the students can see the waste of taxpayer money for what it is.
In Swanzey, they tased a guy for that.
The Liberty Compound is expecting to go out tomorrow (Friday) night. We are having a FSP visitor over as well, so there's a potential for a large copwatch group if everything works out. I think I'd plan to start around 9:30 - 10. Although people can join at any time. It's in downtown Keene. As usual give me a call if you need to find us or know what's going on. 603-313-4421
It's confirmed that everyone in the Liberty Compound will be at Copwatch, including our guest.
So that's at least 6 people confirmed tonight. Possibly 7. Join in.
I hear Mark and Julia will be keeping watch inside Vendetta. I may join them in 30 mins. 8)
well, we successfully protected 100% of Main St. drivers from undue burden between 10pm and 12am. :P
Is anyone interested in going to the Keene State riot if the Sox are able to make it to the World Series? Usually a lot of cops with pepper spray lining main street.
Quote from: Coconut on October 08, 2008, 09:26 AM NHFT
Is anyone interested in going to the Keene State riot if the Sox are able to make it to the World Series? Usually a lot of cops with pepper spray lining main street.
XFD I am so there.
Quote from: Coconut on October 08, 2008, 09:26 AM NHFT
Is anyone interested in going to the Keene State riot if the Sox are able to make it to the World Series? Usually a lot of cops with pepper spray lining main street.
Yep.
Uhm, :blush: about when is this? Not a big baseball fan.
The series starts tomorrow, David. It is a best of seven series, which means that the Sox could conceivably get to the world series in four games. If you're a betting man, I wouldn't put my bets on a sweep though. This is going to be a very good series.
By the way, if you are a betting man, I would put money on Tampa Bay for game 1.... Dice K is starting.
Wait, I'm confused. Is this the game where they throw the big round ball through a hoop or the one where they throw a smaller ball that's pointy on both ends?
Touchdown!!!
Tampa Bay is in the world series?
Quote from: dalebert on October 10, 2008, 08:36 AM NHFT
Wait, I'm confused. Is this the game where they throw the big round ball through a hoop or the one where they throw a smaller ball that's pointy on both ends?
Quote from: shyfrog on October 10, 2008, 08:39 AM NHFT
Touchdown!!!
Hey hey, I said I dont' follow baseball, not that i don't know how to play the game. Geez guys, give me some credit. :icon_pirat:
Quote from: AnarchoJesse on October 10, 2008, 09:21 AM NHFT
Quote from: FTL_Ian on October 10, 2008, 09:04 AM NHFT
Tampa Bay is in the world series?
Yep.
Not that I really give a damn. I used to board op their baseball games down in FL. They used to blow chunks, from what I understand.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on October 10, 2008, 11:59 AM NHFT
Not that I really give a damn. I used to board op their baseball games down in FL. They used to blow chunks, from what I understand.
Yes. Every single other year except they've caught lightining in a bottle this year.
Quote from: dalebert on October 10, 2008, 08:36 AM NHFT
Wait, I'm confused. Is this the game where they throw the big round ball through a hoop or the one where they throw a smaller ball that's pointy on both ends?
No, this is the game where the players spend half the time running around and the other half fondling their balls.
Quote from: Coconut on October 08, 2008, 09:26 AM NHFT
Is anyone interested in going to the Keene State riot if the Sox are able to make it to the World Series? Usually a lot of cops with pepper spray lining main street.
Don't know if you are serious, but groups can be unpredictable. In real riots quite a bit of private property can be destroyed. Be careful around mobs, no matter what the situation. :-\
Agreed. We had bad experience around college drunks on one particular copwatch. They tend to get very upset about you shooting video of the cops. The world series drunks may be even worse than that night.
Quote from: David on October 11, 2008, 10:26 PM NHFT
Quote from: Coconut on October 08, 2008, 09:26 AM NHFT
Is anyone interested in going to the Keene State riot if the Sox are able to make it to the World Series? Usually a lot of cops with pepper spray lining main street.
Don't know if you are serious, but groups can be unpredictable. In real riots quite a bit of private property can be destroyed. Be careful around mobs, no matter what the situation. :-\
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpcWhiZBd0I
Yes, it will be serious. I'm interested in the experience, and hopefully observing from afar. I would admit that police probably do more good than bad during something like that, but the reason students have no respect for rules is the police's constant infringement on their private parties.
I routinely copwatch without the cameras. Cameras are very important, and I would suggest you carry them, but not use them unless something seems out of order, violent, etc. I will try to blend in with others watching, even converse with them. If anyone asks, I just say I am observing, and that cops behave better when watched. On occasion I find sympathetic people, and I try to get them to freekeene.com :)
Quote from: David on October 13, 2008, 08:29 PM NHFT
I routinely copwatch without the cameras. Cameras are very important, and I would suggest you carry them, but not use them unless something seems out of order, violent, etc. I will try to blend in with others watching, even converse with them. If anyone asks, I just say I am observing, and that cops behave better when watched. On occasion I find sympathetic people, and I try to get them to freekeene.com :)
This is a good tactic. :)
Quote from: David on October 09, 2008, 11:04 PM NHFT
Uhm, :blush: about when is this? Not a big baseball fan.
We now know that if this happens, it will be Sunday night. Probably after 11pm. Sox have to win 2 straight, on Saturday and Sunday.
Well keep us informed. I will be blissfully ignorant of sports news.
The Sox have forced game 7 tonight. Meaning if they win tonight, we'll have riots. The game will probably end close to midnight. As it gets close to the end I'll probably head over to Keene State. I understand if nobody else wants to be out in the cold that late with Monday morning coming.
I was thinking of coming to Social Sunday tonight. . . I'm a sox fan and I wouldn't mind hangin' to see what happens in Keene when baseball players win.
Quote from: Coconut on October 19, 2008, 09:42 AM NHFT
The Sox have forced game 7 tonight. Meaning if they win tonight, we'll have riots. The game will probably end close to midnight. As it gets close to the end I'll probably head over to Keene State. I understand if nobody else wants to be out in the cold that late with Monday morning coming.
I'll be there baby :{)}
If this happens, I hope to be able to report on FreeKeene that Keene Police restrained violent people and left peaceful celebrators uninfringed. Unlike in Boston where they will blindly fire teargas grenades into crowds. Or LA where they'd probably just beat everyone they see.
Sox have gone down by a run. In an inning I'm heading out to grab my camera and warm clothes. You can track the game at mlb.com or redsox.com.
You can find me in the student center watching on their widescreen TV before it's over. 603-313-4421. I think I'm taking jesse over in a few minutes.
Sox lost. Nothing happened.
booooooooo!
GO YANKEES, mirite?
Hooray! FTL will be on in Keene again now! 8)