The legal observer program put into place by the BC Civil Liberties Association to watchdog police and security during the 2010 Olympics may continue after the games.
On Feb. 16, The Tyee learned from legal observer and BCCLA board member Jacob Hunter that the BCCLA is considering extending the volunteer-powered program.
David Eby, executive director of the BCCLA, confirmed that possibility today.
"The program has had a major impact in terms of how police have reacted to demonstrations during the Olympic period," said Eby.
"We would like that impact to continue to ensure that free speech is protected."
He said the BCCLA board will spend time evaluating the program once the Olympics are over and decide what purposes it could serve for Vancouver in the future.
According to Eby, it is likely that legal observers will continue to observe popular demonstrations if it is given a second life. He said the BCCLA has already been probing organizers of the annual 420 pro-pot rally about observing police presence at this year's April 20 rally.
Eby also mentioned that there is also a possibility that the program could become a "cop-watch" program that would monitor everyday interactions between police and Downtown Eastside residents.
However, going ahead with these plans would require partnership with Pivot Legal and volunteers who are willing to devote their time, said Eby.
VPD Const. Lindsey Houghton said he believes that despite a gap in legal observer coverage at last Saturday's violent 2010 Heart Attack demonstration, the BCCLA have helped Vancouver police maintain public transparency throughout the games.
The orange legal observer T-shirts are distinct and have solidified a readily identifiable presence for the BCCLA and its observers during the Games, said Houghton.
"I think they've found that their initial role may have morphed into that of ambassadors for the city," Houghton said optimistically.
"The only people that you could mistake them with is fans of Holland."
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W Laurier
1 year ago
Great!
And the really great thing is that the BCCLA can continue to NOT observe gangs of thugs who want to destroy things while at the same time "observe" the horrible, fascist police who are the real defilers of freedom.
Great cred you now have with the public, Eby!
Jeffrey J.
1 year ago
Kudos to BCCLA
Kudos to the BCCLA (and they Tyee) for being the most effective voice protecting BC's civil liberties since I can't recall. What is really amazing is inspite of massive pro-government propaganda from our corporate media, continuous coverage of IOC propaganda, and repetition by BC's elites of how great things are... in spite of all that, the almost miniscule (by contrast) resources of the BCCLA and the Tyee (ok, and rabble.ca and Public Eye)have single handedly forced the rich and powerful to pause.
How can this be? It's simple. It's called democracy. When real citizens stand up for real freedoms and rights (not fake things like market forces and "consumer choice"), it has an impact that every single citizen can recognize a mile away.
This is how BC can retain a civil society. And the more of us who can help out, the better.
WetcoastBob
1 year ago
Can work two ways
Maybe knowing that volunteer observers are present will temper the more radical demonstrators.
Could be a "Win Win"!
BC Boy
1 year ago
Should work both ways
Westcoast Bob - you're right. It should work both ways. These "Legal Observers"
should also be observing the demonstrators to make sure that the demonstrations are peaceful and civil while getting their message across.
If the demonstrators decide to damage property or injure persons, the Legal Observers should take note of that too.
The demonstrators don't have any more rights than the rest of us.
Demonstrate, but keep it peaceful and leave the private property alone.
A civil society exists when people respect the rights of others and their prooperty.
This elite and rich mantra is kind of wearing thin. Our gold medal winners were not exactly rich when they started their
quests.
and why penalize being successful? Jim Pattison was an East End boy who personally
rose to success by being very good at what he does. Nothing wrong with that is there?
or are we all supposed to be wimpering sad
people putting on pity parties all the time?
W Laurier
1 year ago
Eby
Eby has lost all his credibility. He should do the right thing and resign but he won't. He doesn't want a real job. He is supported by government funding and that is much easier than actually defending in court the people he pretends to guarantee rights.
In one poor decision, Eby has ruined his career. He will never escape this