Cops shut down cell phone service to prevent...

Appalling: BART Shuts Down Cell Service to Squash Protest

Thursday night, a protest was planned in the Bay Area Rapid Transit to protest the latest police shooting of an unarmed man. But protesters found themselves without cell service, and now a BART official admits that cell service was shut off to quell the actionâ€”violating citizens' First Amendment rights. CS Monitor:

Because July protests against BART police shootings had turned violent, BART officials took the unusual step to protect public safety, they said. The tactic may have worked: No protests took place Thursday night at BART stations.Â Â Read more

Comments: 8

Texas Rocks Aug 13, 2011, 4:28pm UTC

wow. not cool.

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Debra C. Aug 13, 2011, 5:47pm UTC

In the age of cell service / social media influence in demonstrations, this may seem draconian. Disruption of communications network(s) is, however, a "standard" in theory of war and defense ... pre-dating the CE. As long as it is done only in a limited geographically-defined area that is considered at risk, and for a prescribed period of time, I am not sure law enforcement will be refused the opportunity to avoid or squelch violence.

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Walker Bennett, SF Author Aug 14, 2011, 8:50am UTC

They conned the service providers into shutting down service in those areas for this. I would be totally illegal in the U.S. for them to block service.

Maryann says that Motherhood isn't for sissies!!! Aug 14, 2011, 10:38am UTC

They really were not "conned"......a lot of these fanatical media stories lead people to believe the worst as they put their own twist on a story to "make a point".......it was a wise decision, did NOT violate any amendment rights per se; it IS in the U.S. and obviously not all that illegal.

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Donald H. Aug 14, 2011, 9:14am UTC

Personally I think that was abrilliant tactic by the cops...!

Maryann says that Motherhood isn't for sissies!!! Aug 14, 2011, 10:41am UTC

EXACTLY! It also probably saved a lot of lives, injuries and property damage. I love how these extremist sources twist the story to raise the public ire, not knowing or understanding the whole of the picture. They love to twist things to get emotions stirred up and cause even more unrest. This is why I avoid all crap like this. Half of what you read is twisted and untrue anyway.

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Maryann says that Motherhood isn't for sissies!!! Aug 14, 2011, 10:32am UTC

I agree with Debra and Donald. Look at the entire picture rather than just a small portion. Look what is happening in London with the riots! Cell phones are wonderful instruments, but in the wrong hands they can be death weapons, also. Instead of people always criticizing what the authorities are doing, look beyond and see the balance. This was, in this case, totally justified.

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Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Aug 18, 2011, 10:02am UTC

Heck, in the US we loose cell service all the time. It doesnt have to be a police matter or a safety concern.

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Cops shut down cell phone service to prevent protest

Comments: 8

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