HUNTINGTON BEACH : Police Vow to Prevent July 4th Violence

Police are developing plans to ensure a safe Fourth of July downtown by cracking down on violent celebrations that have marred recent Independence Day festivities.

“The city is saying we’re wanting to provide public safety, even if we have to put out 100% of our people, plus California Highway Patrol, every reserve officer, cadet and retired [police] senior volunteer,” Police Lt. Jon Arnold said. “We’re literally going to have everybody here. For the safety of the city, we need to do this.”

During a 5 p.m. study session tonight, Arnold and Police Chief Ronald E. Lowenberg are scheduled to present police enforcement plans for the July 4 holiday to the City Council.

Arnold said more than 500 arrests were made over the four-day holiday weekend last year, with 150 arrests on the holiday alone. Police also impounded 250 bicycles as revelers burned furniture in the streets and threw rocks, bottles and firecrackers at police and passing cars.

Normally, the department averages 25 arrests per day citywide, Arnold said. Arnold said the department’s 220-member force will be on hand this July 4, along with sheriff’s deputies, some of them on horseback. Tactical teams of officers also will be placed throughout the downtown and beach areas, he said.

“The goal is not to allow people to come down and cause a disturbance, injure people and destroy property,” Arnold said.

Arnold said California Highway Patrol officers will assist during the annual daytime parade, which in 1994 attracted more than 300,000 people. More spectators are expected this year.

The additional law enforcement personnel will give the Police Department flexibility in deploying its own officers, Arnold said.

Arnold would not disclose police crowd control tactics except to say that a water truck turned on crowds last year would not be used again this year.