Cincinnati police responded to widespread protest and violence Tuesday by ca lling dozens of extra officers into downtown and pleading with black leaders to urge calm.

        “If people are out and want to express their First Amendment rights, we have no problem with that. They have every right,” said Chief Tom Streicher, who acknowledged the division was somewhat surprised by the breadth of Tuesday's damage. “When the free speech situation changes, that's when we have to step in and intervene.”

        The protests quickly turned more widespread and violent than those that resulted from trade talks downtown in November, the last time the police division hauled out its riot helmets and protective shields.

        That made arrests more likely, but also more difficult, said Lt. Ray Ruberg, division spokesman. As of 8 p.m., the official count was 10 arrested for disorderly conduct and rioting. Confirmations of arrests trickled in slowly, as did official numbers of civilian injuries. No officers were reported hurt.

        Chief Streicher, acting as safety director while Kent Ryan was ill, and Acting Chief Richard Janke activated the division's Civil Disturbance Operational Procedure, Lt. Ruberg said. It spells out numbers of extra officers to be called in.

        Officers dispersed protesters down streets by marching elbow-to-elbow in lockstep, knocking their batons on their shields as they went. They shouted at groups gathered on corners to disperse or be arrested.

        Dozens of times, they fired bean-bag shotguns and guns that shoot 40mm sponge-rubber balls. Officers also sprayed larger canisters of the same chemical irritant they usually carry on their belts.

        “The crowd's very young and they're very mobile and breaking up a lot into different directions,” Lt. Ruberg said.

        “And the crowd sometimes helps them get away. So our arrests may be down because of that.”

Map: Where violence occured
Photo gallery
Main report on Tuesday's violence
Initial findings may not support officer's actions
Council locked up in City Hall
Blacks, whites vent on radio
Brother's whispers resound amid madness
Rioting not the way, leaders say
Police try to go by the 'book'
Public Safety Department may be abolished
Racial strife not new to city
Donations for Thomas family