=v= Since the NYPD was compelled to release some of its memos
about their shenanigans during the 2004 RNC in NYC, they decided
to write up a big ol' attempt to justify themselves:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/dcpi/nypd_rnc_overview.html

In there is this fanciful description of Critical Mass:

Critical Mass -- The obstruction of public thoroughfares and
transportation systems by groups of protestors traveling in
packs on bicycles or on foot, often erecting improvised
barricades to fend off police.

=v= Now you know! Here I've been riding Critical Mass for over
a decade and have always forgoten to improvise any barricades.
<_Jym_>

P.S.: Speaking of absurd claims, there was a recent incident
in the Bay Area where a motorist ran down some bicycles (this
is documented on videotape), then claimed that the bicycles
had been thrown under his SUV. Despite videotaped proof and
eyewitness reports, the police wrote down this stupid claim.
So much for "intelligence" gathering.