Liz, it is common that private establishments obtain permits to limit the sidewalk portion in front of their places of business. This is usually done during special events, and it is almost exclusively done for the purpose of limiting protests and media. The Church of Scientology does it at least once a month in Hollywood and it is quite legal.
Protesters and media are allowed to assemble close by, usually at a place that has been predetermined by the local police entity. Across the street, where the officer "assisted" him to, seemed to provide a fine view of the patrons entering and exiting the hotel.
I'm guessing that's what happened here. If so, the reporter is just another "gotcha" journalist trying to create a name for himself. If he'd just listened to the officers request, then demand, none of this would have happened. Sometimes we are forced to act and this is such a case.
I'm tired of the flack that cops take from armchair quarterbacks. Like Chief Bratton says, "Police work isn't pretty." But when you refuse an order, prepare to suffer the consequences. (hand to the neck is a little much, I admit)
Yes, we use the *f* word sometimes and I'm sorry if that bothers your delicate sensibilities. The language is allowed in certain circumstances. For the record, and I listened 3 times, I never heard any cop use the F word, or make a physical threat. More media sensationalism, unless someone can direct me to a link where I can hear it.
Also, I'm thinking that the Boulder (read: outside entity assisting in Denver) might have called Denver to make the arrest, and they were too busy to get there right away. Taking 2 hours to get to a radio call is nothing new. I'm sure they had more pressing things occurring in Denver than this.
Most cops are Republicans BTW, there is no agenda here WINEX. I happen to be the exception to the rule. If the hotel signed the complaint, we are obligated to make an arrest. Simple as that. The cops were probably more pissed that they had to waste their time with this idiot.
So how about getting the whole story before you come to conclusions.