Pain-Compliance Techniques
Bob Sipchen’s article “Politics, Pain and the Police” (Part A, Jan. 8) raised some interesting questions about police policy for nonviolent demonstrators. The “pain-compliance” method appears to be unacceptable to many people but I found one logical alternative unmentioned.
Why not charge passive-resistant demonstrators for the additional police time used in their arrest. Off-duty officers can volunteer to be on call for overtime. Of course, they should be properly compensated and the bill should be sent to the demonstrators.
With the use of a special “demonstrator arrest force” the on-duty police officers can quickly return to their normal responsibilities. The only pain administered to the passive resisters will be to their pocketbooks.
SHERMAN LAMBERT
Glendale
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