Lawlessness will not be condoned

Our views

The Olympian • Published May 14, 2008

• Documents

In the wake of escalating violence in the community, law enforcement agencies in Thurston County have issued a joint statement that they will have a "zero-tolerance" policy toward property damage and violence arising out of civil disobedience.

The statement, issued by the sheriff's office and joined by the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater police departments and area prosecutors, sends a strong message to protesters: Break the law and you're going to be held accountable. It's precisely the right message at the right time.

Now it's up to the city of Olympia to live up to the message. Two weeks ago today, Olympia City Manager Steve Hall told The Olympian's editorial board that it is his fault, and his fault alone, that the city has not charged any of the 61 people involved in the port protests last November.

Hall said he did not pressure the police department like he should have, and he did not track progress in the city attorney's office as he should have. As a result, nothing has been done in six months. At that editorial board meeting, Hall pledged to have a determination on charges in two weeks.

The two weeks is up today, so all eyes are on City Hall to see whether law enforcement officers mean what they say: There will be zero tolerance for vandalism and lawlessness.

Protests and riots

During the port protests between Nov. 8 and 15, protesters attempted to block shipments of military equipment leaving the Port of Olympia. The equipment was returning from the war in Iraq and was destined for Fort Lewis.

Four of those arrested and one bystander have filed claims against the city totalling $13 million in damages. They allege police brutality.

The port protests launched a series of confrontations between police and unruly crowds. It was followed by a Feb. 15 riot at The Evergreen State College where a police car was overturned and several other police cruisers were damaged. The total loss exceeded $50,000. Prosecutors have filed charges against eight individuals in that case.