Police, residents discuss civil disturbance

Published: Friday, April 28, 1995

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.