The police chief at the University of California, Los Angeles, John Thomas, has been reassigned following criticism over his handling of recent campus demonstrations that included a mob attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment. The reassignment, announced by UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, Mary Osako, is temporary and was made to allow for an examination of security processes. Thomas confirmed the reassignment in a text to the campus newspaper, but did not specify his new role. This decision follows the creation of a new chief safety officer position at UCLA to oversee campus security operations.
The incident that led to Thomas’s reassignment occurred on April 30, when counterdemonstrators attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, resulting in injuries to at least 15 protesters. The violence continued for several hours before police intervened, and no arrests were made. Despite this, Thomas insisted that he did everything possible to provide security and keep students safe during the tumultuous period. However, his response received widespread criticism, leading Chancellor Gene Block to order a review of campus security procedures. This review ultimately resulted in the announcement of Rick Braziel, a former Sacramento police chief, to lead a new Office of Campus Safety that will oversee the UCLA Police Department.
Following the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment and some 200 arrests on April 30, sporadic disruptions continued on campus. This ongoing unrest prompted Block to be summoned to Washington by a Republican-led House committee to testify about the protests at UCLA. The union representing over 250 officers who police the UC campuses criticized Thomas’s reassignment, placing the blame for any failures in the protest response on the administration rather than law enforcement. The president of the Federated University Peace Officers’ Association, Wade Stern, stated that the response to protests at UCLA appeared to lack structured planning as mandated by the UC system.
Amidst the controversy, UCLA continues to work on enhancing campus security operations to better protect the community moving forward. Changes have been deemed urgent by Chancellor Block, who acknowledged the need for reforms in the administration of safety operations. The incident at UCLA has sparked discussions around the appropriate response to protests on campus, with scrutiny placed on both law enforcement and the administration for their roles in ensuring the safety and security of students. The reassignment of Chief Thomas and the creation of a new safety oversight position are part of the university’s efforts to address the shortcomings in security procedures exposed by the recent demonstrations.
In light of the events at UCLA, there is a recognition of the importance of addressing campus security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The need for structured planning and coordinated responses to protests is evident, as highlighted by the criticisms surrounding Chief Thomas’s handling of the situation. The involvement of external parties, such as the House committee summoning Chancellor Block to testify, reflects the broader impact of the protests on the university community and beyond. Moving forward, UCLA’s focus on enhancing safety operations and implementing changes to security procedures will be crucial in restoring trust in the campus administration and ensuring the well-being of all students and staff.
