The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protestors, who shut down Phoenix streets and tried to block a freeway in July, cost taxpayers $247,996 according to Councilman Sal DiCiccio. The Phoenix Police Department released the numbers today.
According to DiCiccio, this extra $247,996 does not include the tens of thousands of dollars lost by local businesses that lost customers or had to close early due to the threats made by protestors. Equally as concerning, says DiCiccio, is the fact that Phoenix Police had to call in a SWAT team from Glendale to respond to a call because Phoenix officers were occupied covering the protest.
“This shows a complete disrespect for the taxpayer and our great police department. This disrespect can easily be added up,” Councilman DiCiccio said. “Add up the loss of taxpayer monies, the cost to local small business owners, the waste of limited police resources, and the fact that the protestors refused to change the date of their protest as it occurred the day after we lost those brave police heroes in Dallas.”
“To be clear, I am a fierce proponent of free speech and people’s right to protest, but the way the protestors exercised their rights squandered critical resources away from the serial killer investigation and our community,” Councilman DiCiccio added.
| Protest: July 8, 2016 | ||
| Hours | Est. Cost | |
| On Duty | 562.00 | $39,642 |
| Overtime | 1,041.75 | $83,699 |
| TOTAL | 1603.75 | $123,341 |
| Protest: July 15, 2016 | ||
| Hours | Est. Cost | |
| On Duty | 933.50 | $65,699 |
| Overtime | 627.75 | $58,956 |
| TOTAL | 1561.25 | $124,655 |