Beavercreek Police Department used a city firetruck and dispatched three firefighters to wash away the messages written by activists in chalk

by Virgil Vaduva

The Police Department in Beavercreek, Ohio did not take well to a group of local activists writing messages in chalk in the public property surrounding the PD building.  Yesterday the activists took it to the pavement mostly with messages regarding the shooting of an unarmed black man by one of the cops working for the Beavercreek PD; the shooting was found to be justified by an investigative board.  Sean Williams, the officer responsible for the shooting of John Crawford in a local Walmart is still employed by the department and continues to be paid by the local taxpayers.

The local community has shown overwhelming support for the police department.  In the past I have covered at least one pro-police rally and was able to record footage showing at least one police supporter stating that he was happy a black man was killed by the cops.

With messages calling out for the remembrance of John Crawford and the prosecution of Sean Williams, the activists spent about twenty minutes chalking the sidewalks surrounding the building.  I participated in the event and did not anticipate such a quick and massive response from the City of Beavercreek attempting to erase the truth behind these messages.

About an hour after the chalking, the city dispatched a tanker truck manned by three firefighters to wash away the chalk from the pavement.  As reminded in the video below, the area has experienced daily downpours and it is unclear why they responded so quickly to the chalking when they could have waited out for the evening rain to wipe out the chalk.  The cost and waste of city resources to cover the message of truth is not surprising as they continue to refuse to file charges against the killer of John Crawford and refuse to answer questions about the incident.

Fortunately I was able to anticipate the fast response and recorded the incident.  You can watch it below.

If you see something at Walmart, do not post it on People of Walmart, call Homeland Security instead.

The Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the unusual alliance Monday on the department’s blog and in a promotional video posted to YouTube.

“Homeland security starts with hometown security, and each of us plays a critical role in keeping our country and communities safe,” she said. “This partnership will help millions of shoppers across the nation identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities.”

At least 200 Wal-Mart stores will roll out security announcements within 24 hours, Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman said. By month’s end, 588 stores in 27 states will be participating in the program. A short video featuring Napolitano will appear on TV screens at select checkout lanes, asking Wal-Mart shoppers to contact local law enforcement to report suspicious activity.

“If you see something suspicious in the parking lot or in the store, say something immediately,” Napolitano said in the video. “Report suspicious activity to your local police or sheriff. If you need help ask a Wal-Mart manager for assistance.”

Fogelman said employees won’t receive any special training as part of the program. But Wal-Mart managers do work closely with local police, he said.

“We work with local law enforcement all the time,” Fogleman said. “If someone needs help, we will certainly assist. If someone asks us to call police, we will call police.”

“If You See Something, Say Something” has become a familiar sight for New York subway riders since 2002. The campaign was created by The New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority and funded, in part, by $13 million from a Homeland Security grant program.

The Homeland Security Department has subsequently expanded the program to other transit agencies and some private entities, including the Mall of America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and sports and general aviation industries.

But some marketing experts say they aren’t sure how the message will play in a retail setting.

While the message may be  familiar one for people who use public transportation and airports, it’s new one for many in smaller hometowns, said Sarah Kerkian, insights supervisor at Cone Inc., a strategy and communications firm in Boston.

“It may make shoppers feel cared for,” Kerkian said. “But others may say, ‘Who are you to bring me this message?'”

But Fogleman, the Wal-Mart spokesman, said the Homeland Security alliance with the nation’s largest retailer makes perfect sense

“Wal-Mart is a place where people gather, it’s a place where you sometimes see your neighbor the most,” Fogleman said. “It is important to Wal-Mart that it help protect the safety of its community.”