Local law enforcement assist organizers in protest planning, security

Over the past few days, protests have been taking place across the Augusta area and the country against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Local law enforcement has assisted organizers in planning these protests, with some even waiving permit requirements to assemble. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Patrick Clayton said that will have to change, starting Sunday.

“They haven’t had to perform their permitting process. If this continues on, we’re probably going to have to, starting after this weekend, we are going to have to require that they do permits. It is starting to divert serious resources,” Clayton said. “We are starting to extend serious amount of resources that we are going to have to go back, especially by the beginning of next week, we are going to have to go back to the standard permitting program.”

Clayton said he has discussed the matter with Sheriff Richard Roundtree, after protests took place in Richmond County on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday before another protest Saturday. For Tuesday, Clayton said organizers did call for to get a permit, but there was no way it would have been approved on time, however the sheriff’s office helped them with the protest to ensure it was peaceful.

He said the organizers have been very cooperative and haven’t had any issues other than the lack of permits.

“There is a form, there is a process. They have to do a protest plan and all that. There is different criteria on there and things that they need to specify. We’ve tried to be as accommodating as we can,” he said. “They’ve been very cooperative with us. I want to note that everybody, with the different groups that we’ve dealt with, have been very cooperative and worked with us. That hasn’t really been an issue.”

In Columbia County, a protest was held Monday, which drew a big crowd. Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Steve Morris said they are fully supportive of peaceful protests.

He said they communicate with all parties involved in order to provide sufficient law enforcement personnel for the event. He said people are also required to fill out a form to receive a permit and be able to hold a protest.

Protests have also taken place in Aiken. Aiken Department of Public Safety Detective Jeremy Hembree said they support the right of people to protest and their goal is to keep everyone safe.

“We have supported and participated in several protests and community events which have occurred in Aiken over the last week, and will continue to do so,” Hembree said in an email. “This participation also allows us to identify any individuals who may have other intentions to divert the matter away from a peaceful protest.”

Similar to Columbia and Richmond County, the Aiken department uses a demonstration/picketing form that people or organizations can complete to get approved by Chief Charles Barranco. The form goes over guidelines to assist applicants in conducting a safe demonstration in accordance with local, state and federal laws, Hembree said.

Clayton said the sheriff’s office has a presence at the protest to ensure there are no problems. He said they are aware about possible groups of people coming into the area to cause disruptions at the protests and are taking precautionary measures along with several other agencies, including the FBI, to ensure protests remain peaceful.

“We’ve had a couple of incidents over the last week that it was alleged that people were coming here from other areas and we are on high alert for that. We have our proactive teams, which are mainly our undercover officers, they are looking for groups and people that come to this area trying to incite violence,” Clayton said. “We are constantly on alert for it. We are working with the FBI and other intelligence agencies to make we try to get the information as timely as we can.”

Clayton also said he has discussed what happened to Floyd with law enforcement officers across the area and the country and none feel what the officer did was right. He just hopes people do not assume all officers are the same.

“I would also say, what we would all ask, I think all of us in law enforcement would ask, is don’t paint us with the same brush as that officer in Minneapolis. If you do that, then you end up doing the same thing we are being accused of,” Clayton said.

He said deputies are constantly trained on de-escalating situations and use of force. He encouraged citizens to get involved with the Sheriff’s Advisory Council, which reviews sheriff’s office policies and assist the sheriff with advice and council.

“We do want to get that perspective from the public and kind of what they are looking at and what they are thinking, so we can integrate that together to come up some kind synergistic product that reflects the community,” he said.

Richmond County to require permits for protests

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday it will again start to require and enforce proper permits for large gatherings, starting Sunday.

In a release, the sheriff’s office said the recent protests in Augusta have created a strain on resources and manpower. The sheriff’s office has provided support for those events with on duty patrol deputies at multiple impromptu protest over the past week.

“Sheriff Richard Roundtree is a firm supporter of the 1st amendment and he and his office have tried to accommodate each organizer in light of the recent events in the country. Sheriff Roundtree sympathizes with everyone hurting in the community, and understands the importance of having their voice heard,” a statement reads.

Starting Sunday, anyone who wishes to plan any events where crowds larger than 50 people are expected to show will be required to apply for the proper permits. The requirement is aimed at making sure events have adequate resources to ensure the safety and security of participants.

“Sheriff Roundtree is very proud of the community and how they have been a testament to the nation that we have the ability to express ourselves and remain peaceful during these events,“ the statement reads.