No one wants to see their own police department make headlines. Stories of inappropriate and uncalled-for police behavior are too common and strain
community-police relations.
When I heard about the University of California Police Department using pepper spray balls after the Undie Run ended on March 20, my fears drifted to thoughts of police excess. I thought of heavy-handed UCPD responses at other campuses. I thought about prior incidents involving UCLA’s police. But then I started hearing from friends who witnessed the incident. They gave me a sense of what it was like to be near or even caught in that crowd.
What I heard was actually worse than my imagination could muster. The “Undie Run Riot of 2014” helped revive and reinforce negative stereotypes about college students and the Bruin community. It stained the Bruin tradition, and all of us pay for it.
If you went home after the run, then these comments are not directed toward you. Having lived in the North Village long enough to see 30 Undie Runs, my perspective is that this year’s post-run incident far exceeded “having a good time” or “blowing off steam.”
An estimated 400 people (including people who were not students) were involved in the off-campus disturbance. I’m certain that not all of them were involved in destroying personal property or other criminal activity. However, every person there contributed to the atmosphere by their mere presence. Their actions reflect on the more than 40,000 students currently enrolled at UCLA and our alumni. Less than one percent of our student population chose selfish, self-entitled behavior over respect for others, gratitude for admission to one of the world’s best universities and pride in the legacy they have joined. One percent.
Trust me, the police would rather have been doing anything other than dealing with a drunken crowd of half-naked students on public streets. Unfortunately, their presence was necessary. A fellow graduate student told me that the UCPD officers “acted like they were being filmed.” I’m frankly reassured to know they were fully aware that they were in the public eye and would be held accountable had their response crossed the line. I am aware that some bystanders were regrettably caught up in the police response, but my overall sense is that the UCPD did not overreact and deserve blame. Blame rests with those who initiated and aggravated this disturbance.
That said, the UCPD needs to actively improve its relationship with the community that it serves. I believe in the value of community-based policing, and my observation is that the UCPD’s reputation has not fostered trust or respect. The UCPD is often considered to be cold, distant and unsympathetic. I know many students who do not feel comfortable turning to or cooperating with the UCPD. This cannot serve its mission or purpose well. I urge the UCPD to implement new strategies and programs to improve community relations. We can make this community safer and your job easier with a more trusting relationship.
To those who recoil at the notion of using force to disperse the crowd of students, please remember that this was not an act of free speech or civil disobedience. If it was, then I’d likely add my voice to yours. The instigators had the sense of entitlement to treat the North Village like their backyard. Families and people with full-time jobs live here too. Other Bruins were still studying or trying to get some sleep.
The 400 participants in the incident demonstrated disregard for what it means to be a Bruin. The “True Bruin” statement teaches us to respect the rights and dignity of others. True Bruins are accountable. They’re leaders who make a positive impact on their community. Any students who contributed to the incident need to better understand Bruin values and our shared Bruin legacy.
The fact that the police were compelled to intervene underscores the extent to which those in the crowd were oblivious to the inappropriate nature of their conduct. I’m proud to be a Bruin, and I’m proud to live in Westwood. I’ve seen a lot of stuff while living here – good and bad. The behavior after this Undie Run was ugly. There’s no other word for it.
Everyone who participated in the post-Undie Run incident shares blame, even if they were not directly involved in criminal activity. There’s a saying along the lines of “A good friend is someone you would call when you get arrested, but your best friend would be in jail with you.” If you agree with that, then you’re part of the problem.
A true friend would have prevented the situation in the first place or gotten their friends out of there right away.
A true friend would have said, “Go home, Joe Bruin. You’re drunk.”
Stajura is a graduate student at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a member of the Westwood Neighborhood Council. He was formerly an officer in the Military Police Corps of the U.S. Army.
I really enjoyed my education at ucla, but the social atmosphere is horrible. there is very little campus pride. there is very little sense of community. so many reasons for this. will be difficult to ever change.
The real problem is the people. The materialism really rubs on to people here. They are mean, moody, snobbish, judgmental, and racist. That is what liberalism gives you.