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City orders guns that fire special plastic balls
Denver police are stocking up on guns that fire a pepper spray-like substance instead of bullets - a less-lethal weapon used to disperse crowds - in advance of the Democratic National Convention.
Wimps. Go for the tasers.
The department recently ordered 88 Mark IV launchers and projectiles at a cost 'in the low six figures,' the company that makes the weapons stated in a news release Monday. The request was for delivery in advance of the DNC, according to Louisville- based Security With Advanced Technology Inc.
If they even have the Democratic National Convention. I hear the DNC owes 15 million and ain't payin' up.
The convention, scheduled for Aug. 25 to 28 at the Pepsi Center, is expected to draw thousands of protesters to sites throughout Denver. The city received a $50 million federal grant for security. A senior adviser to Mayor John Hickenlooper has said the city plans to spend up to half that amount on equipment, with the rest going to pay offs officers.
What the Hay? We have to fork over 50 million clams for these clowns?
But the city has refused to disclose how it is spending the money, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union last month to file a civil lawsuit.
Hell hath frozen over! I agree with the ACLU for once.
The court filing alleges the city is violating the Colorado Open Records Act. City officials say releasing the information is 'contrary to the public interest' because it could disclose important tactical information, potentially jeopardizing security.
Or maybe who's being paid off to keep quiet.
That's also security in a way ...
A city spokesperson could not be reached for comment Monday. Meanwhile, speculation about what the city is buying has run rampant.
Giant puppets, 100,000 marbles, silly string, party favors, and enough chewing gum for everybody.
Some organizers of protest groups believe police are buying extended-range Tasers and weapons that incapacitate people with high-intensity sound.
I'd certainly be investing in those treats. Nothing but the best for the protesters ...
The Mark IV weapons the city ordered recently fire plastic balls filled with powder that's 'like a combination of cayenne pepper and baby powder,' the manufacturer said. It can be fired from up to 100 feet away, said Ben Cook, director of Veritas, a subsidiary of Security With Advanced Technology.

The balls burst open on impact. While the powder will incapacitate a person like pepper spray, it doesn't cause some of the more severe reactions, Cook said.
It's really noxious stuff. Makes you cry for a week and a half, clears the sinuses for about a decade, and you claw your skin off with the itching. Enjoy, protesters, I'll be sitting home watching the show.

Posted by: Deacon Blues 2008-06-17
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=241956