State Investigation of August 12 in Charlottesville cites miscommunication

From the State investigation into the events of August 12: “…James W. Baker, a consultant with the International Association of Chiefs of Police who led the review, said state police and local police each had their own response plans, which should have been unified before the event. Baker said that despite collaboration and meetings in advance, “we were left with the impression not everyone was clear what their roles were.”

He said that in some instances, rank-and-file police on the ground were confused about where commands were coming from and, in others, commanders were not always clear where units were positioned. Baker also recommended a “more robust permitting process” going forward, which he said would have gone far to head off violence.

He said that in the future, local officials should shorten the length of rallies with potential for violence, ban weapons, make clear in advance that there will be no tolerance for illegal activity, bus attendees in and out of the area, and erect …