Forum Post: Do other camps have a policy about recognized criminals?
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 1, 2011, 11:58 p.m. EST by RevJan
(0)
from Milwaukee, WI
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
We are in a mid-sized city with a small camp in a closely-knit neighborhood. One of our Occupy people just recognized someone who is wanted by the police for theft and possibly for assault. Not a violent character (right now) but definitely not trustworthy. Obviously we want to avoid contact with police - we are maintaining an uneasy truce with them for the moment. Any other camps have policies or suggestions for dealing with a situation like this? Thanks.
I'd advise giving him a two-hour ultimatum to pack up and get out or you'll go to the police. Follow through if he blows you off or gets confrontational. I understand that you don't want contact with the cops, but given how things work I don't see how you have much of a choice. You need to deal with him before the police find out of their own accord or there may well be trouble.
First off, if the guy's a fugitive he may cause more trouble while he's in your camp and/or decide to start operating out of there, and that can't be allowed to happen because now you're putting your people and the neighborhood at risk. Second, the cops aren't stupid. If there's a fugitive hanging out in your midst they're gonna figure it out at some point and go pick him up. If you turn him in (or at the very least kick him out) then the cops may begin to realize the difference between orderly civil disobedience and open lawlessness, and your truce with them might get a bit easier. However, if they wind up going in after him on their own they're far more likely to start treating you guys like a bunch of criminals and may actually press charges against people who knew but didn't say anything.
If they are wanted by the police, I'd think seriously about reporting them. Unless you care to live on the edge or risk others getting hurt.
Suggest using the Direct Democracy Voting system located here to publicize leaders and use an actual voting system to manage leaders, treasurer, etc..otherwise things will get out of control and criminals will take over and steal the peoples efforts.
Practice Direct Democracy for real online, iw was just opened last week.
www.uponlocal.com Direct Democracy Online Now!