Philadelphia wants to avoid a repeat of 2000 when it arrested more than 400 protesters at the Republican National Convention, only to see most cases end in acquittals.
Less than two months before the Democratic National Convention comes to town, a City Council committee has passed legislation letting police issue $100 civil fines rather than make criminal arrests for many nuisance crimes.
The offenses include disorderly conduct, blocking a street and failing to heed a request to disperse.
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!