Originally posted by Surtur
It doesn't need to be violent. Cops can just block off the area. The people can still protest, just not close to the statue.
I'll pretend to be the police chief for a moment:
Why should I pay police to protect a piece of shit statue?
I'd rather my police force solve real crimes and let the property insurance money pay for the repairs like the insurance is intended to do.
My decision would prevent the greatest loss of money. Where possible, I'd have my people write citations to everyone involved or confirmed to be involved. The money would go to the property owner and insurance company that paid for the repairs/replacement.
I think the money collected to pay for government things, that money...it's sacred. Wasting it on protecting pieces of shit is not a good use of money. Preventing or avoiding the greatest loss of both money and humans (preventing injuries due to clashes with the civvies) is the best possible outcome for everyone.
If I order my employees (the police) to engage the civvies, I could end up with lawsuits that results in expensive litigation: a terrible use of tax money.
When I consider what the best course of action should be, I consider:
1. How much money will each option cost tax payers?
2. Will I avoid violence with any options? If violence is unavoidable, is there a clear option to prevent the greatest loss of life?