Urban Shield Protesters Take Over Berkeley City Council Meeting

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Police and Fire departments will continue to participate in Urban Shield, a multi-agency, full-scale regional preparedness exercise aimed at preparing an integrated response to such events as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. This year's exercise, which is held in Pleasanton, is planned for September 7-11. The exercise is federally funded.

But the 6-2-1 vote by the Berkeley City Council was not without controversy. Opponents claim that Urban Shield militarizes the police department. They made their point by screaming, unfurling banners and taking over the council meeting Tuesday night.

The meeting was held at the Longfellow Middle School auditorium. Two protesters who climbed onto the auditorium stage were arrested.

-Image by Fresco