How Many Cops Does It Take to Arrest a Minister?

I have often criticized the way Cincinnati Police officers handle peaceful protests. In 2000, for example, while covering a nonviolent protest against corporate globalization, I was roughed up on Second Street by an officer for no apparent reason.

But last night I saw firsthand that the police have learned to deal professionally with people who are simply exercising their rights. The reforms of the past few years seem to have taken root in the Cincinnati Police Department.

I was one of seven people involved in a sit-in Sept. 27 at the local office of U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Westwood). We went to the office about 1 p.m. and learned Chabot was in Washington, D.C. We asked the staff to fax him our request that he sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace. We told the staff we intended to stay until Chabot signed.

Throughout the afternoon we read the names of Iraqi civilians and American invaders killed in the war. The other six protesters sang; but in the spirit of nonviolence, I spared them the sound of my croaking.

Chabot’s staff was courteous, providing a restroom key and offering us water. Repeatedly invited to leave, we insisted on staying. The office closed at 5 p.m., but we weren’t arrested until 8 p.m.

Seven of us were charged with criminal trespassing. I was inside, but a freelance writer and WLW (700 AM) reported that 50 cops were outside the building and had blocked off Vine Street. Two dozen officers, some in masks, came inside the Carew Tower to effectuate the arrests.

Among those charged were a 78-year-old nun and two 15-year-old girls. Why the police felt the need for so many officers to arrest peaceful protesters is beyond me. But I’m happy to report that we were all treated professionally, even courteously, by the police.

— Gregory Flannery

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