NEW: Federal judge issues a restraining order blocking @DenverPolice from using "chemical weapons or projectiles of any kind against persons engaging in peaceful protests or demonstrations." #9NEWS
"...the time is past to rely solely on the good faith and discretion of the Denver Police Department," US District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson wrote, saying, "the Denver Police Depart has failed in its duty to police its own."
"irreparable harm has already occurred in the form of physical injury and the suppression of speech," Judge Jackson wrote. "Officers would continue to use force, secure in the knowledge that retrospective claims take a significant amount of time, effort, and money to pursue."
This line from Judge Jackson. "Citizens should never have to fear peaceful protest on the basis of police retaliation, especially not when protesting that very same police violence."
The court's restraining order allows the use of force against "specific acts of violence or destruction of property" if a command officer (Capt or higher) personally witnesses the act and gives the order. But the judge put restrictions on the use of force in those scenarios.
The judge ordered that non-lethal and less-lethal projectiles "may never be discharged to target the head, pelvis, or back" and cannot be "shot indiscriminately into a crowd."
NEW: Federal judge orders that all police officers working protests in Denver "must have their body-worn cameras recording at all times, and they may not intentionally obstruct the camera or recording."
"Any and all orders to disperse must be followed with adequate time for the intended audience to comply, and officers must leave room for safe egress. If it appears that the intended audience was unable to hear the order, the order must be repeated..."
"plaintiffs allege that officers specifically aimed at heads & groins, causing broken facial bones and ruptured testicles. These are peaceful demonstrators, journalists, & medics who have been targeted with extreme tactics meant to suppress riots, not to suppress demonstrations."
