Monday, November 21, 2011
Little Rock Government Public notice possible, but not done on LR night exercise
Posted by Max Brantley on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 10:58 AM
My FOI request this morning dislodged the agreement by which the city of Little Rock (actually Mayor Mark Stodola) permitted an Army Special Operations group to perform an unannounced training exercise over downtown Little Rock Friday night that alarmed many residents in the Governor's Mansion and other neighborhoods.
The exercise focused on the former VA hospital, now privately owned by an evangelist, on Roosevelt Road and commercial property a short distance to the southeast across Interstate 30 — some vacant land used for helicopter landing owned by Moon Distributors' Stan Hastings. They Army made arrangements to use the properties. Neighbors said the operation was noisy and lengthy and extended from late Friday to early morning hours Saturday. An agreement between the Army and city reveals the size of the operation:
The exercise will consist of 7-9 rotary wing aircraft, 2-3 fixed wing airframes and 80-100 Special Operation ground force personnel conducting full mission profile training as previously coordinated. Rotary wing aircraft will INFIL ground forces via fast rope and air land infiltration and will EXFIL ground forces via vertical hoist extraction and air land EXFIL in victing of "Moon Distributors." Ground Force personnel will conduct force on force simmunition training as well as mechanical and explosive breaching on the target facility in accordance with previously conducted coordination and distributed guidance.
Here's the full agreement. A key point in light of neighbors' complaints and the mayor's brief response when questioned by a neighborhood group: The agreement provided for public notice of the exercise, including press releases "to all appropriate Little Rock officials for dissemination," and specified that public affairs officers would be on the ground to handle any questions that should arise.
UPDATE:
Little Rock Police Lt. Terry Hastings said police knew about the exercise, but said the portion of the agreement referring to public notice and door-to-door notification was understood by the city to be the military's obligation, not the city's. (He later supplied some e-mails that reflect this.) The agreement, however, specified "that Little Rock, AK [sic] public affairs officials publish official notification and door-to-door notifications of appropriate personnel through the desired media on a time-line deemed necessary by the mayor's office and city officials. This coordination will comply with the guidance disseminated to local officials throught he 160th SOAR(A) Public Affairs Office."
Maj. Mike Burns, public affairs officer for the 160th, said that such training exercises, which are conducted around the country, present a Catch 22. Too much advance knowledge can attract spectators that can add to the risk of the operations. He said the decision not to announce the exercise in advance was made cooperatively with the city, but he said it was ultimately the city's decision because the Department of Defense didn't have the authority to make announcement for the police or through the city website. "Bottom line, it comes down to what the police and city want to do," he said.
UPDATE II:
OK, it's agreed. Notice should have been given in neighborhood. I heard from Mayor Stodola late in the afternoon:
Public notice and fliers were supposed to be distributed door to door. I was assured that this would happen when I was briefed about this exercise on September 7th as I expressed the same concern that you and others have expressed. I had no further contact with the military as they were to work with our LRPD. Apparently someone dropped the ball.
Mayor Stodola had said that this was an operation by the "same military unit that captured and killed Osama bin Laden." Both Burns and a Pentagon spokesman said it was inaccurate to say this — in part because the Defense Department has never officially identified any specific units that participated in that exercise. Press accounts say, however, that the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment flew Navy SEALS to bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan. Its unclear whether SEALS were part of the weekend training operation in Little Rock. Burns would say only that the exercise was a joint operation of the Special Operations Command and he would not identify specific units involved.
Burns was on the ground in Little Rock during the exercise and he had a statement prepared to read to anyone who should call 911 about the unusual activity. He said he worked with police SWAT teams and other units and some blocked streets at times for the exercise.
A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the operation was coordinated with air traffic controllers to keep the area clear from other flight activity. He said normal flight rules — such as minimum altitudes over cities — did not apply to military operations. It coordinates to ensure they are conducted safely, he said.
Mayor Stodola has not been responding to my questions (on this or other matters). Mine are simple: 1) Why wasn't public notified as the agreement allowed? 2) why wasn't he more helpful when questioned by Kathy Wells after the fact? 3) Is it reasonable to think an operation with 11 aircraft, 100 troops coming down ropes and simulated ammo would not cause public questions? 4) if the operation had used St. John's Seminary in the Heights would public notice have been done?
STATEMENT FROM MAJ. MIKE BURNS ON NOTIFICATION
We have found that if we make a broad public notification before the training there is a potential to create a greater public safety hazard with people gathering to try and watch the training. We regret any anxiety this training may have caused. Know that we are extremely sensitive to the impact this training has on local residents and we intend to train safely and courteously.
Mike Burns
Public Affairs Officer
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
Night Stalkers Don't Quit!
Following is the specific release that would have been read to any who inquired:
"Military training exercises will take place within and around the Little Rock area between Nov. 18th and Nov. 19th. Military personnel will conduct training exercises to ensure the military's ability to operate in urban environments, prepare forces for upcoming overseas deployments, and meet mandatory training certification requirements. Military helicopters will be used in these exercises.""The Little Rock Police Department has worked to ensure minimal impacts on our citizens and their daily routines. Safety precautions have been taken to prevent risk to the general public and the military personnel involved. Training site locations are not open to the public and will be guarded by uniformed personnel to provide additional safety."
"Any further questions may be directed to Maj. Mike Burns, Army Public Affairs Officer, at 931-472-4770.
Speaking of...
-
Two LR cops busted in federal marijuana sting
May 24, 2012Late-breaking news from the federal courthouse: Two Little Rock police officers, half-brothers Mark Jones and Randall Robinson, have been arrested for roles in a plan to distribute more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and use of a firearm in the course of a crime. /more/
-
Surgeon general strikes deal on disturbance charges
May 24, 2012One charge has been dismissed and two others have been passed, with dismissal expected in six months, in the disturbance case against Surgeon General Joe Thompson, arrested by Little Rock police at his Hillcrest home March 31. /more/
-
Occupy Little Rock before the eviction UPDATE
May 16, 2012Photographer Brian Chilson is on hand this morning for the 7 a.m. police eviction of Occupy Little Rock from its camp at 4th and Ferry Streets. /more/
-
Grade schoolers pull cop's gun on school bus
May 16, 2012Police were called to Watson Elementary at 7000 Valley Drive today after a report of a gun on a school bus. /more/
-
About that five-minute rule for the technology park
May 10, 2012I've griped before about the scientific underpinning of the rigid believe of Little Rock Technology Park boosters that it MUST be located within five minutes of UAMS and UALR. /more/
-
Who's occupying what in Little Rock?
May 1, 2012An Occupy Little Rock protester got a ticket yesterday for obstructing traffic by inadvertently leaving the sidewalk during a protest march to City Hall . Robert Johnston is quick to highlight the irony in news photographs of the event in a letter to Mayor Mark Stodola, City Manager Bruce Moore and Police Chief Stuart Thomas: The photo on the front page oif the AR Section of the DemGaz says a lot about the City's Perverted Priorities: The photo captures a cop writing a ticket for 'obstructing the street' to a 40ish Occupy Little Rock demonstrator carrying a US flag. /more/
-
Occupy Little Rock takes to the streets
April 30, 2012Occupy Little Rock marched from its camp at Fourth and Ferry to City Hall on Clinton Avenue/Markham Street this afternoon. /more/
-
City of Little Rock sets May 16 end to Occupy Little Rock camp
April 23, 2012Little Rock Police Chief Stuart Thomas personally delivered word to the Occupy Little Rock encampment at 4th and Ferry Streets this evening that a city permit for the occupation, previously open-ended would not be extended past May 16. /more/
-
LRPD and what we don't know about rough cops UPDATE
April 20, 2012The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported this morning that Little Rock will pay $10,000 to settle a lawsuit by a man, Demetrius Curtis, who said two cops brutalized him in a 2008 arrest. /more/
-
LRPD explains video released under FOI
April 18, 2012I mentioned and posted yesterday a brief video clip that turned up in an FOI request of dash video records from the Little Rock police cruiser of Officer Chris Johannes, one of the officers involved in the bust — about seven hours before the video was made — of Surgeon General Joe Thompson. /more/
- More »
Comments (17)
Showing 1-17 of 17
"The agreement, however, specified "that Little Rock, AK [sic] public affairs officials publish official notification and door-to-door notifications of appropriate personnel through the desired media on a time-line deemed necessary by the mayor's office and city officials."
Well, there you have it right there: The mayor's office and city officials did not deem it necessary.
So what's all the complaining about?
like
dislike
Oh, who cares. These soldiers defend our country at whatever cost. They weren't hurting anybody aside from making noise. You pre-tell one person in that neighborhood, then you have a scene. And who knows, maybe someone leaks that on the Internet to some terror group. Far-fetched, but you never know about people.
Maybe they should try this in the Harrison area and have real battlefield conditions. They are lucky one of the quick-draw McGraws didn't take a shot. Black helicopters have been rumored around the area for years and we certainly have more than our full share of nuts.
So who's purview was it, Lt. Hastings? The military or the city? Seems like all the ducks weren't in a row on either side.
In other news, photo-shoppers are having a field day with Officer Pike of OccupyDavis fame.
Some of my favorites:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/violetblue/63…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/violetblue/63…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/violetblue/63…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gomiso/637529…
Are we at all surprised that Boss Stodola is taking it upon himself to consolidate city power and authority under his own private control? We gave him too much control and the city counsel are acting like absentee parents.
I continue to pray that someone will step forward to run against Boss Stodola in the next mayoral election. We must take our city government back before it is too late. I fear though that the new $500 million slush fund approved by a small fraction of voters is going to solidify his control over city government and continue Little Rock down a very dangerous path of closed door politics and back room dealing.
When I was a kid, the folks at the VA Hospital at Fort Roots saw black helicopters all the time....
It's called SNAFU. I heard the choppers. Thought nothing of it. This is really a non-story. Not sure why we're spending so much time on it. Get over it. Let's move on.
How many screw-ups are the result of the all-to-pervasive mistake of confusing the 2-letter state abbreviations - AR-Arkansas, AK-Alaska, AZ-Arizona, AL-Alabama? Imagine the military mistakenly launching an operation, based upon the wrong state abbreviation. It's obviously possible from the Airborne release above.
It's one thing if a letter is routed to the wrong state, based on AR v. AK. Quite another when armed soldiers are sent to the wrong place.
In this atmosphere where the 1%'s paranoia is being constantly stoked by Faux spin and r-wing talking heads, how soon will the government they own be sent in to quell the peasants? With the level of military intelligence shown by the memo above, the 99% have real fear, no matter where they live.
How does the Mayor know this was the same unit... and if he does what specifically are their names... since to my knowledge this info has never been released?
Since this is a clear danger to so many citizens... Must I remind the mayor and the military a helicopter crashed during the Osama raid? Best we know that was due to simple mechanical failure. There is simply no good reason the mayor or the military should ask for or approve of this over so many homes.
4) if the operation had used St. John's Seminary in the Heights would public notice have been done?
I suspect the answer to this one - if answered honestly would be especially telling. But what do I know? I jes be hangin' in da 'hood.
>>How does the Mayor know this was the same unit....<
My wager is he didn't know. But, it's as close as he could get to draping himself with
"patriot fever." However, should a homeless veteran of the Osama attack squad ever need housing in L.R. don't expect the Mayor to step up.
We've retrograded back into the 1948 state of mind which Gore Vidal called the "National Security State of Mind."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62g3NQVoHqw…
Let's push this conspiracy thing: Is Terry HASTINGS (LRPD) related to Stan HASTINGS (Moon)? we could get really out there in this...
He knew because - Press accounts say, that the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment flew Navy SEALS to bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan. The 160th SOA was who was training here Fri/Sat. Was it the same guys... who knows... but it was the same unit and that is what the Mayor said... Unit.
Get over it... this is a non story and I live just a few blocks away.
To Mr. Hastings, a recommendation, next time you provide emails to be posted on the Internet in an attempt to save you our rear, don't manipulated the receipt dates and to make them look like something they are not. You may also consider reading any documents that you are responsible for signing on behalf of our community. The mayor mentioned that someone had "dropped the ball", I would guess that person was you based on the documentation that you, yourself provided to prove it.
Thank you to the soldiers who continue to train and prepare to defend our country.
Mayor Stodola keep playing the citizens of LR for fools, aided by the Chamber of Commerce and now the US Special Operations Command. The voters keep drinking the Kool Aid.
Special Operations Command already has facilities on secure locations for training on various situations. It doesn't need one in the heart of downtown Little Rock where civilians might compromise the integrity of the training mission.
This isn't about patriotism. It's nothing but more exploitation, lies, and political grandstanding by Stodola. Get used to it. Little Rock voters gave him a $500 million fund to play with.
Apparently happening again tonight. 1-7-12. Did they give notice this time?
How very strange. This is happening in Los Angeles, too.
http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/NEWS.html?ar…
I suppose they are trying to save money by not building model cities for training and that is good, but they could at least give a general warning. They don't need to say when or exactly where, but just let the population know that this could happen, so they don't freak out. That could be tragic.
More by Author
-
Repeal of truck tax break isn't dead yet
The repeal of the unearned sales tax break on truck rigs, which I've belabored here at some length, ain't dead yet, though it remains on advanced life support.
- Feb 28, 2012
-
Tuesday line
The line is open. Closing out: * THE FRAUD OF VOTER FRAUD BILLS: Virginia is poised to adopt a voter ID bill on the heels of news that there's no evidence — none — of any cases of at-the-poll fraudulent voter IDs.
- Apr 24, 2012
- More »
Event Calendar
-
Re: Yarnell's scooping again; reveals flavor list
I couldn't agree more! But the flavor I love the most is Death by Chocolate!…
- on May 25, 2012
-
Re: Riverfest eve open line UPDATE
I think about this print stuff a lot and believe I see the future though…
- on May 25, 2012
-
Re: Riverfest eve open line UPDATE
It is indeed sad to see the Times-Picayune in such a reduced state. The depressing…
- on May 25, 2012
Top Commenters
Blogroll
Slideshows
-
Police close the Occupy Little Rock camp, perhaps the last Occupy encampment on public land.
Site Index
News
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / Smart Talk / The Insider / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Bob Lancaster / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
Entertainment
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Graham Gordy / Books / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / What's Cookin' / Calendar / The Televisionist / Movie Listings / Gallery Listings
This Week's Cover
Quick Links
Special Publications
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
