Cops Claim Jail is Private Property, Threaten Trespassing Arrests

February 1, 2010 by Ian
Filed under: Personal Freedom, Police, Thuggery, Video

We’ve been able to have picnics outside the jail in Westmoreland without issue, but in their visits to Valley St. jail, Manchester activists have come up against intimidation and threats from local police. In this raw video, they actually claim that the jail is private property and that the activists will be arrested should they come back. They plan to return this Saturday. Details on this thread. Here’s the video:

More video from Keene activist Rich Paul’s visit inside the jail:

jbh

cops are criminals
Renniks

That is one fat, mean looking bureaucrat in the second video.
http://scudco.tumblr.com Adam Anderson

Manchester bureaucrats seem much more intimidating than the ones in Keene. Rich Paul is awesome. Keep up the good work, guys.
http://soundclick.com/thinkliberty thinkliberty

It's obvious the manch PD is working with the jail to keep his status a secret.

The manch PD put him in the jail for walking past one of them.

Anyone that's seen the video of Mike's arrest knows Mike does not belong in jail.

I hope Mike is okay.
jamesfreelander

Learn your rights? They f'in know our rights. That's why they are there trying to see to their friend. And if that's private property there damn well had better be victims for people that are in there.
Sam A. Robrin

"Learn your rights"? You, you crook, just taught us all we need to know.
Wyatt

This is not directly related to this story, but it is showing that the blinders are coming off some of the thugs in government.

I hope you can follow this link about pot legalization in my neighborhood here in SoCal. Pretty interesting how this retired judge and former prosecutor confesses that the drug war is a waste of time and money. And that a joint is less harmful that a glass of wine!!! I don’t smoke pot but I sure don’t want people who call themselves ‘government’ putting my friends, family and sick people in jail who choose to smoke. We exercise our right to do with our body what we want; and harm no one. Take care all.

http://nctimes.com/news/local/lake-elsinore/artic…
http://www.qualityrental.com JamesButabi

I like how Rich offered him a simple compromise. Something so easy for him to do and verify as well as asserting you think hes an honest individual. It appears you gave him too much credit.
Seth

I'm not going to criticize the protesters for leaving instead of being arrested, but they should have made the decision whether or not to be arrested before they even got there.

On a side, I would like to have seen them arrest ten people.
Barbara

I did this in the 1970's. This brought back some serious memories. The irony is we had NO CLUE back then how FREE we were compared to now – 2010. I marched in all the May Day celebrations in Washington DC. We marched against the Viet Nam war and many other freedoms that were in jeopardy at that time. And what do we have here? It has gradually gotten worse with each decade as the Hippies grew up and sold out for the American Dream (what a joke). Seriously? We have Lemmings for citizens. What a nightmare. I can't stand the fact that we are indeed about to become a police state.

Thankfully I found you Free Talk Live, and all the Free Keeners. Such relief knowing there are some like minded people out there. WE CAN regain our freedoms. We simply can't give up.
Barbara

On the second video, look at the body posturing. Our friendly police officer (who has this job because he always wanted to help people) looks like he's about to hit our friend. Crazy
JoshuatheSmart

First of all, thank you Rich Paul! Seeing you stand face to face, raising your voice, and cursing at a thug was most inspiring. Not because I think it is a good thing to yell, but it is demonstrating the real passion you have for a friend who has gone through God knows what in the last week. The man in the costume had no reason to raise his voice.

Secondly, Rich was FUCKING ASSAULTED!!! The man with a badge and gun GRABBED the back of Rich's arm. That, apparently, is assault.

Just curious what would happen if Rich would have pointed out the the officer, and some of the other officers that were milling about, that the exact action in which the cop just engaged in, is the reason that no one has been able to contact Mike for weeks!

Good luck next week. I really wish I could get up there. Keep up the good work. Good thoughts are with all of you from all over the nation, and from the way it sounds, the world!
Deborah Gilmour

Thanks for the video – really nice job. This is quite interesting! Wow! Looks like Rich even got into the jail with a little something on his hip!
http://gibson.mp/ Richard

Taking Officer O'Contradiction at face value, anyone refusing to leave that private property when so ordered will be forced into the ranks of "visitors" who are locked within until granted PERMISSION to leave. Should he offer any dinner party invitations, I recommend declining.
bil

So this is some sort of private jail? Is it run by 'our' government,or has that job been outsourced?Any no trespassing signs? If it is private property,then who is the deeded owner?It looks like there is a parking lot there-is that private property also? How about any sidewalks leading there?Any markers showing the edge of the 'private property',or is it just any place they find handy? Strange concept.I can see where it could be handy for them,though.Just declare any place private property and then arrest you for trespass.Sort of like their own portable 'personal space', invisible,but you had better stay out.What next??? —bil
michael Garcia

I don't think I disagree with the comments about our decision of leaving. Personally I think I may have weakened our position by not standing my ground. It was a spur the moment thing for me. I just wanted to go out there and let the jailers know that there are people that care about Mike. I think the next time I take action like this. I will make plans to be arrested before going out to manch jail.
Brodie

Awesome job guys. I wish I could be there to help support you. I think it was smart to leave. That way you can be prepared to be arrested the next time, if that is your wish. You might be able to get main stream media to come and cover the story. You might also get a lot more people involved as well next time.
Brent

when will Rich and others return. I would like to reinforce.

finnell.brent@yahoo.com
http://ringingliberty.com Paul

Yes, I would contact local news and inform them of Mike's situation, and activists' plan to stand up against the abuse of power, even if it means arrest.
the kingof keene

you guys are missing out on a great career in Hollywood. This video is really priceless. You just can't write this stuff. Reality really is stranger than fiction…A police station is "private property"???….WTF???…Next time a cop says "You're under arrest…", tell the cop, "No, you're under arrest for *CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY*!…I'M turning you in, cop!"…well, worth a try/thought…whatever./