District of Columbia Police Department

Washington, DC: During President Bush's inauguration in 2001, protesters were provoked and uninvolved bystanders were attacked with batons and pepper spray. A lawsuit was filed and claimed the department had suspended rules limiting the use of force during the protest, pressed undercover officers to infiltrate protest groups, and sought to provoke protesters and uninvolved bystanders. The lawsuit sought to force the police department to change their illegal pattern of treating protesters like suspected criminals. A settlement has been reached where the department agreed to change its police handbook to better protect protesters. The District of Columbia police department also agreed to pay $685,000 and take steps to protect protesters from police abuse. (Nov-22-06) [WASHINGTON POST: PROTESTERS ABUSE]

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