SPD Rally and Counter Protest - Southwest Precinct - 04-08-2011

Approximately 50 pro-SPD demonstrators gathered outside the Southwest Precinct at the corner of Delridge and SW Webster on Friday evening in the third of a series of rallies organized by the families of SPD officers. A small group of counter protesters, supporters of the October 22 Coalition, were also in attendance.

Noise was the weapon of choice on both sides. A large number of the pro-SPD supporters had brought their children to the event. Give a pack of grade schools shiny new whistles, and they'll make noise -- even if they don't know what they are supporting. The counter protesters made up for their small numbers with generous use of the bullhorn.

The more of these rallies I attend, the more convinced I am that the SPD supporters have miscalculated in organizing them. It's hard to argue that the Seattle Police Department should "keep up the good work, " as one sign announced this evening, with stories detailing incidents of police brutality and mishandled cases piling up in the press. Assuming a contrite tone and waiting for the public's attention to shift would be a safer public relations approach for the SPD. These rallies represent another opportunity for the press to rehash the abuse allegations and SPD's critics to take to the street.

October 22 Coalition pamphlet.