Here is a rough draft of a letter i'm planning to send to MSP
September 11, 2015
To whom it may concern:
Hello, I am seeking information regarding the Mackinaw Bridge Walk. If you are not the proper person to reply to my inquiry, will you please forward this email to the correct person.
It appears that MSP operates an inspection area/checkpoint for pedestrians who wish to participate in the annual Mackinaw Bridge Walk.
Does MSP have a policy allowing officers to demand identification from participants as a condition of passing through the inspection area/checkpoint?
What specific items are prohibited from the event other than smoking, signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices, and animals? (other than service dogs)
Does MSP have a policy that details the scope of the searches at these checkpoints?? Ie: are the searches limited to only bags, backpacks, and purses, or are officers given discretion to perform even more intrusive searches without reasonable suspicion or probably cause?
Are these searches voluntary?
Do officers at these checkpoints have the authority to detain participants without reasonable suspicion of a crime?
Where does MSP obtain their authority to set up and operate these checkpoints?
What is MSP official policy regarding lawful firearm possession during the bridge walk?
Does MSP have a policy allowing officers to demand that participants carrying firearms have their firearms “file checked” as a condition of passing through the inspection area/checkpoint?
Is there a mechanism by which a person wishing to be free from intervention or search may travel freely across the bridge on foot during the event and not have their bag inspected?
Is there a mechanism by which a person wishing to be free from intervention or search may travel freely across the bridge in an automobile during the event and not have their bag inspected?
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation
Sincerely