Norfolk Officials Buy Riot Gear For Y2K

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) -- City officials here are hoping for the best when it comes to possible computer-related problems in the year 2000 -- but they are preparing for the worst.

The City Council on Monday night announced plans to use a grant originally designated for a new camera mug shot system to instead be used for such things as riot gear and night-vision rifle scopes.

Varying degrees of computer problems are expected to occur when Jan. 1, 2000 arrives. In worst-case scenarios, officials fear the problems could spur rioting and looting.

Norfolk Police Chief Bill Mizner said an advisory group met Jan. 11 and recommended buying the emergency equipment.

Some of the items include flashlights, night vision scopes, flashlights that can be attached to rifles and shotguns, gas masks, filters, distraction devices for the police division's tactical team, chemical emissions and helmet shields.

Funds for the equipment will come from a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant of $10,300.

http://www.yankton.net/stories/020399/new_0202990015.html

-- a (a@a.a), February 06, 1999

Answers

I saw the same gear worn by police in 1969, in San Francisco, at a anti-Viet Nam march in San Francisco on Market Street. Some had shot guns, but the majority had billy clubs. They came head to head with the crowd. I watched all this from a second story office building on Market Street. I was 18 years old at the time and it left an impression on me that I will never forget. I'm glad I live in the country.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), February 07, 1999.

I wore the same gear many times in Los Angeles and once in Isla Vista in Santa Barbara County. The demonstrators came right at us. It left an impression I'll never forget and never want to experience again. I wish I lived in the country.

Bill in South Carolina

-- Bill Solorzano (notaclue@webtv.net), February 07, 1999.

I have been to this town. It is a small city deep in the heart of the farm belt and well away from a major city. If they think Y2K will be so bad as to require the riot items mentioned then what are big city governments and the feds preparing for?

-- Ed Stevens (ed@terraworld.net), February 07, 1999.

In 1969 I was a draftee serving in a combat infantry unit on the

D.M.Z. in Korea .

Shit came at us from all sides .

I'm glad I live in THIS country . :o)

-- Mike (mickle2@aol.com), February 07, 1999.

BTW It left an impression I'll never forget .

-- Mike (mickle2@aol.com), February 07, 1999.

Could equivalent bucks invested in renting empty warehouses and filled with canned pork, beans, rice and sugar be more effective in moderating panicky human behavior? There is a current abundance of these forms of nutrition and the producers need more buyers right now. History is replete with examples about full bellies diminishing risks of violent behavior. How often must we address the effects of predicaments instead of the causes? Shall we fill the granaries where they may be needed or just slide into potential deprivation? How about encouraging farmers by increasing market demand before spring 1999 planting? Procrastinators might treasure bigger harvests in the fall of 1999. Keep thinking and keep well.

-- Watchful (seethesea@msn.com), February 07, 1999.

Nebraska?? in JANUARY???? let's get real people - all you have to do is keep the 'rioters' outside for a couple of hours until the effects of the alcohol they've been drinking start to wear off and the hangover combines with hypthermia...voila' instant end to riot...if they get too nasty it also becomes instant end to rioters.

Norfolk NE in January is NOT LA in the summer.

sheesh.

Arlin Adams [charter member - Doombrooders for applied common sense.]

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), February 08, 1999.

Used to live near Norfolk, still have relatives there. The city is in the middle of the northeastern Nebraska corn/soybean belt. In January the only thing between Norfolk and the North Pole is a barbed wire fence, and the wind never quits. Riots are real low on the outdoor activity list. However, it is also midway between Omaha/Council Bluffs and Sioux City, major midwestern urban areas which both have highly organized and well-armed inner city gangs, and Norfolk officials have been more cognizant of y2k than most other cities. Could it be that Norfolk is more worried about external than internal disruptions, and is using the riot fear as an excuse to get the gear while avoiding having to say they're worried about unprepared inner-city residents?

-- Cash (cash@andcarry.com), February 08, 1999.

hmm...good point Cash! that would make a lot of sense.

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), February 08, 1999.