Recent Violence From Hate Groups Will Change Police Tactics On Protests Now, after the shooting deaths of five officers at a Dallas protest decrying last weeks police killings of two more black men, some experts are suggesting its possible the pendulum could swing from hugs back to flash-bang grenades and mass arrests. After days of peaceful protests in St. Paul, officers in riot gear met protesters who blocked Interstate 94 late Saturday in the biggest confrontation between police and demonstrators since an officer fatally shot a black man during a suburban Twin Cities traffic stop last week. About 100 people were arrested half during the highway standoff and the other half early Sunday in another part of St. Paul. Twenty-one law enforcement officers were hurt during the protests, including six state troopers. Police Chief Todd Axtell called the pelting of officers with rocks, bottles, firecrackers and other objects a disgrace. Police used smoke bombs to clear the crowd of more than 200 people blocking the interstate. It was a contrast to their approach at protests outside the governors mansion in the wake of motorist Philando Castiles police shooting death Wednesday in the suburb of Falcon Heights. Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, has praised the calmer demonstrations outside his home and said he wont try to have people removed. Protests have broken out nationwide following the deaths of 32-year-old Castile and 37-year-old Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In Dallas, five police officers were killed and seven wounded when a gunman opened fire on a protest march Thursday. But most of the demonstrations havent been as tense as the scene in Dallas that night or the highway standoff in St. Paul. In Oakland, California, police ceded a highway to protesters last week and did not stop them from shutting it down. In Philadelphia, plainclothes officers have mingled with protest crowds. Even in Dallas before the shooting, officers mingled and posed for photos with people at the demonstration. I think officers are vigilant every time they put the badge on and the uniform on. I dont think its going to stop the officer from interacting with the men and women who are out there at a peaceful protest, said Sean Gormley, executive director of Law Enforcement Labor Services, Minnesotas largest police union. Craig Lally, president of the union representing Los Angeles police officers, said he suspects changes will be made at departments across the country when it comes to staffing protests and similar events. I think theyre going to have to be much more aware of their surroundings. The next march in Dallas, I guarantee theyre going to have sniper teams all along the march, cops with high-powered rifles, to see if anyone is going to be a copycat, Lally said. Which is truly a shame that it is has come to this! Former FBI agent James Wedick envisions departments having officers stake out high areas with binoculars and possibly sniper rifles, but keeping them out of sight to avoid causing panic. 