By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The Justice Department blasted the police response to the Ferguson protests and riots, saying police violated free-speech rights, antagonized and intimidated crowds with military-style tactics and protected officers from being held accountable, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
The police were accused of “vague and arbitrary” orders to force protesters to move, which “violated citizens’ right to assembly and free speech,” according to a DOJ reported to be issued soon.
“Had law enforcement released information on the officer-involved shooting in a timely manner and continued the information flow as it became available, community distrust and media skepticism would most likely have been lessened,” according to the document.
The report also said police sometimes indiscriminately used tear gas.
The DOJ also suggested that police stop using dogs for crowd control because it antagonized and scared protesters.
The full report, which is still being finalized, contains about 45 “findings” with recommendations for improvements.
