Police prep for WB/IMF demos

rickling at softhome.net rickling at softhome.net
Tue Aug 27 09:01:08 PDT 2002


D.C. Police Struggle To Staff IMF Protests Outside Agencies Hesitate to Send Help

By David A. Fahrenthold Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 27, 2002; Page B01

D.C. police said yesterday that pay concerns and jitters about the Sept. 11 anniversary are making it harder to recruit outside security help for next month's International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, a situation that could require organizers to scale back their activities.

Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said his department had requested 3,000 officers from departments in other cities and the Washington suburbs for the IMF-World Bank gathering, scheduled Sept. 28-29, but that so far he has received commitments totaling about 700.

Officials expect thousands of protesters in Washington for the meetings, and some demonstrators have announced plans for marches and traffic disruptions, beginning Sept. 25.

District officials said yesterday that without additional officers to supplement the 1,400 D.C. police working at the protests, they might be forced to patrol a smaller area, restrict delegates' movement or seek more help from federal law enforcement agencies or the National Guard.

The shortage of officers, Ramsey said, has already forced one major change: For the first time in years, all the business meetings normally held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, in Woodley Park, will take place at the IMF and World Bank headquarters buildings in downtown's West End.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64878-2002Aug26.html



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