June 19, 2020
Reminder: the Richmond Police Department has the
authority to declare protests that become violent, dangerous or disruptive as
unlawful assemblies. It is one of the tools the Department has under Virginia
Code ~VA 18.2 -406 to deal with unruly crowds. It gives the officers the
authority to make arrests for failing to disperse.
While
several unlawful assembly declarations have been announced in recent weeks,
officers have refrained from making arrests. But the danger of personal injury
and on-going willful and wanton property damage cannot be tolerated.
“I
have instructed my officers to make every effort to support each citizen’s
First Amendment right to express their opinion,” said RPD Interim Chief William
“Jody” Blackwell. “We share their vision of a better, more inclusive future for
Richmond. But, some protesters actions put everyone at risk and we must address
that.”
Here
is what to expect: When
the decision is made to declare an unlawful assembly, repeated announcements
are made by bullhorn to alert everyone it is time to leave.
This
is what will be announced:
“This is been deemed an unlawful assembly. Please disperse. Failure to disperse
will result in arrest and/or exposure to chemical agents.”
The
announcement will also be tweeted out using this graphic:
If
you hear the unlawful assembly announcement or see the Tweet, please leave the
area immediately.
