The SPD does have a history...
...and that's why their policing practices are currently under review, top to bottom. Clearly, they've taken a wrong turn, somewhere.
Of course, the militarization of police across the country indicates that the problem isn't very isolated.
People think the police won't fuck with the old during a demonstration. That's WHO they fuck with...anyone who has zero chance of fighting back. It sends a message...it's less risky...and it's beyond hyper fucked up.
I love the 'Oh, this (peaceful) demonstration is costing us so much!' argument. Uh...yeah, when you deploy 4 choppers, armored vehicles, 2000 riot cops, and 17 other agencies, um...yeah, that's gonna cost a lot. Wasn't exactly the protesters who ordered up the response, though.