Since I published my initial story about how several federal law enforcement agencies had been providing logistical advice to local authorities on how to handle the 'Occupy' protests, I have been attempting to get an official response from the Dept. Of Homeland Security (DHS).
I've spoken to several high-ranking DHS officials on background in the last 24 hours, and they stressed several things to me.
First, despite some press reports to the contrary, the only official DHS role in any 'Occupy' arrests took place in Portland. In that case, officers from Federal Protective Services (which is tasked with protecting federal buildings) assisted the Portland Police Bureau in clearing the federally-owned Terry Shrunk Plaza. Officers from FPS did make several arrests, although it's not clear how many.
I was also assured that FPS officers only had jurisdiction on federal property and would only make arrests after the situation has been deemed unsafe or unsanitary by the General Services Administration (GSA). That agency is that is the permitting authority for protests on federal property.
When I tried to get a sense of how much involvement the department may have had in assisting local tactical plans, I was told DHS is not actively coordinating with local governments or police agencies on the 'Occupy' evictions.
What isn't clear to me is what is meant by "actively" coordinating. That definition leaves a lot of room for advice, both tactical and otherwise.
I sent Homeland Security officials several questions, hoping to get a clearer picture of the scope of the department's involvement in any coordination efforts between federal and local law enforcement officials.
Here are the questions I asked:
1) Can you confirm whether or not any local municipalities (either civil or law enforcement) have requested any briefings or information about problems that could arise from the 'Occupy' protests?
2) If the DHS did receive any requests, what sort of help or advice was provided?
3) Is the DHS aware of any possible threats connected with any of the 'Occupy' protests that would necessitate the involvement of any element of the agency?
4) Did DHS volunteer any information or advice to local officials concerning the 'Occupy' protests?
This is the official response I received from Matthew Chandler, DHS spokesman:
“Any decisions on how to handle specifics situations are dealt with by local authorities in that location. If a protest area is located on Federal property and has been deemed unsanitary or unsafe by the General Services Administration (GSA) or city officials, and they make a decision to evacuate participants, the Federal Protective Service (FPS) will work with those officials to develop a plan to ensure the security and safety of everyone involved."
I'm left with more questions than answers. There's a difference between making decisions and offering advice and it's still not clear whether DHS did any of the latter.
I'll continue to update this story as I get more information.
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