Police, residents discuss civil disturbance
By Cari Brooks
UCLA student leaders, administration and Westwood merchants met
with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) this week and decided
to work together towards maintaining a safe and secure community
environment.
Los Angeles police officials met with the Westwood community
Tuesday to find a solution to the recent chaos and controversial
police response surrounding the NCAA basketball championship
celebration. Within the last three weeks, the LAPD has been called
in to help the university police keep the peace at student parties
around the Westwood area.
After UCLA won the national collegiate basketball championships
on April 3, Los Angeles police were asked for their assistance in
crowd control several times that same week.
Los Angeles Police Capt. Robert Kurth said that the students do
not realize the severity of the recent outbursts.
"There (had) been three incidents in one week … when officers
are getting rocks and bottles thrown at them, I call that serious,"
Kurth said.
Kurth added that throwing rocks and bottles at officers as they
are attempting to control the crowd is a serious felony, but that
students do not realize it.
Although LAPD officials said they did not want to blame any
party or persons in particular, they do want to end the hostile
attitudes that some students have against the police.
Though Kurth told The Bruin in an interview April 10 that the
LAPD was planning to file a civil lawsuit against several
fraternities on UCLA’s "fraternity row," he said yesterday there
are no plans to pursue a suit.
Nevertheless, Kurth does feel that the meeting was successful in
promoting a collective responsibility towards keeping a safe
environment. Kurth said he does not mind helping UC police maintain
lawful order.
"I promote and appreciate the help of the LAPD," said Capt.
Terry Baker of the UC Police. Baker added he was grateful that the
Los Angeles police could help them with a potentially major
problem.
Baker is also trying to start a program that will help the
police and student parties work together. Baker suggests that any
fraternity, sorority and/or private party should notify the police
in advance of such an event. By doing this, the police will help
secure a safe environment.
The administration also felt that the meeting was very
positive.
"It was a unmitigated success," said Winston Doby, vice
chancellor of student affairs. Doby expressed his concern for
community safety, adding that there is a positive future ahead if
the community continues to work together.
Others echoed the opinion that the meeting was successful.
"Every group was well represented," said Baker.