Okay, bad pun — but evidently (based on the news story, which was flagged with an ALERT on Twitter) that's the reason for all the money that the Denver Police and Colorado State Patrol have spent on overtime.
Protesters challenged the necessity of the security around them, including officers or troopers watching the Occupy site at all hours. But police say the monitoring is necessary because the protesters have tried to erect tents in the parks, in violation of state law or city ordinance, if left unwatched.
So the taxpayers have spent $800K to prevent tents from being erected.
I feel much safer. #ddtb
Embedded Link
Tab to taxpayers for Occupy Denver security now close to $800,000 – The Denver Post
Denver spent at least $431,500 on the Occupy Denver protest between early October and Nov. 13 since it began in Downtown in early October, Mayor Michael Hancocks spokeswoman Amber Miller said today.
It looks to be a double edged sword, though. If there were less or, even, no security and things happened as they did in other 'encampments' the outcry would be "Where were the police??!!??"
How much has the occupy crowd cost in cleanup, etc., as well? They made the mess, I say give them the bill, as well.
If the police were to say, "We're here to keep those people safe," that would be a different thing (though, again, one has to question the size of the police presence).
Your other point is an interesting one. Though that could raise a concern as to how such charges could be used to suppress any sort of protest activities (one can always come up with some costs incurred).