Legal Commentary

In the Wisconsin protests, Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs sought voluntary compliance, zero arrests, and a positive environment.

When Tubbs met with protesters and other law enforcement leaders, including Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney, Madison Police Chief Noble Wray, and UW-Madison Police Chief Susan Riseling, the emphasis was on making sure demonstrations stayed peaceful and dialogue between police and demonstrators stayed open....

Throughout the protests, Tubbs said he focused on a goal of ?zero arrests.? He even discouraged protesters from playing or singing music that could cause a ?negative environment,? suggesting instead patriotic songs, spirituals such as ?We Shall Overcome,? even Motown hits....

Things threatened to get ugly ... on March 9...  But there was no violence and about 200 protesters were allowed to stay the night. The following morning, many left on their own. Others were carried out of the antechamber to the Assembly, where legislators were due to meet, amid chants of ?Shame!?

?It was not a difficult decision,? Tubbs said. ?We had to conduct government business.? Once again, there were no arrests....

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Full post as published by Althouse on March 30, 2011 (boomark / email).