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Occupy protesters say police are spying

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Protesters started complaining about the police attention on Facebook. They say police are not being fair.

We know occupy protestors are on the radar of albuquerque police. We’ve seen the arrests and the confrontations.

“Spying? I think the police are watching us very carefully,” said Erica Estes of the Occupy Albuquerque group.

Occupy protesters suspect police are going too far. The group decided their next move with APD in mind.

Their last efforts were stalled when the protesters were met at the Coronado Mall by security and police.

They did have the meet time posted online. But it was Black Friday and the Occupiers thought they’d blend in with the large crowds.

“I would say that they recognized my face, they saw me and they were like, that’s one of them,” said Estes.

Estes says APD appears to be circulating her mug shot and pictures of the protesters. They’re not surprised police could be following their moves, but say there’s a clear line between simple police work and profiling.

“I feel it’s definitely a violation of our rights. I put that in the realm of stalking,” said Occupier Michael Palombo.

A spokesperson for APD says the department respects the Occupiers’ right to protest, still pointing out that the group’s online postings and updates are available to anyone.

Protesters we spoke with say they are preparing a response.

“It’s a formal complaint that’s being drafted right now against APD,” said Palombo.

The Occupiers say the formal complaint will be in the form of a petition sent to the Sheriff’s Department and the Mayor’s Office. They say they hope APD will back off.

Protesters are also taking a different approach for future events. Details for the next one will not be posted on their website.