Photo:
A Tibetan monk walking past policemen on Wednesday behind barricades
to separate the Chinese side from the Tibetan side in Xiahe, Gansu
province, China. (Nir Elias/Reuters)
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/19/asia/china.php
I'm impressed. No more ad hoc measures at riot control. The Xiahe
Police already had equipped themselves with metal barriers in
preparation for just such civil disturbances. They even come with
clear labelling as to purpose. There is no netting. So it is not
meant to protect anything behind the barrier from missiles such as
stones. Individual plexiglas ****elds probably provide better
protection and more maneuverability. But I think netting and/or razor
wire can be added should the situation call for it. The dimensions
and estimated weight plus grab handles at head height make them
suitable to be manhandled by one man and quickly put in place. The 10
foot high metal frames don't look particularly strong enough to resist
a determined assault. But this is probably a tradeoff between
****tability and strength. Each panel has a wide stable base to
prevent it toppling over in an assault. The frames look adequate to
provide an effective barrier to break up any mob charging into it.
What I have said so far is guesswork. But its comforting to see
someone must have given a lot of thought to the matter. The Police
will be prepared for anything that happens during the Olympics. My
only criticism of the preparations as shown in the photo is the first
barrier made of wood logs. That stuff makes excellent weapons for the
rioters and fuel for arson.
