PHILADELPHIA (AP) – With the Democratic National Convention drawing toward a close, Philadelphia police assigned to keep protests from spinning out of control have made a three-day total of only about a dozen arrests.
Police and protesters alike are being credited with showing restraint.
Bernie Sanders’ devoted followers have been careful to pick up after themselves and have been wearing hats embroidered with a dove to remind everyone to remain peaceful.
And the police, instead of hauling demonstrators off to jail, have been giving them $50 tickets for disorderly conduct and releasing them with a complimentary bottle of water.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross says he’s “very happy so far with everyone.”
Many protesters have praised the police department’s approach.