Police Response at Rap Concert

I would like to respond to the letter from Michelle Chernikoff Anderson (“Rap Concert,” Ventura County letters, Sept. 19). Ms. Chernikoff Anderson voiced concern about the police response to events that occurred during and after a rap concert at the Ventura Theatre.

The photo that concerned Ms. Chernikoff Anderson shows officers at the conclusion of a pursuit. Officers had tried to talk to the subjects about an incident outside the theater but they fled, leading officers on a short pursuit through city streets. When the vehicle was finally stopped, the officers initiated a high-risk car stop--standard procedure at the conclusion of a pursuit. Our objective was to remove the suspects from their vehicle in the safest manner possible--safe for the officers, the public and the suspects. The fact that the ultimate nature of the arrest was for vandalism does not accurately portray the dangers involved. Traffic stops continue to be one of the most dangerous activities in which an officer can engage.

At the time of the stop, officers did not know what dangers the suspects posed to themselves or the public. The officers used approved, established procedures to contain a dangerous, volatile situation. We will continue to use these procedures.

Ms. Chernikoff Anderson’s second concern was that the officers were looking away from where their weapons were pointed. What the photo did not show was the crowd of angry concert participants who were yelling and making threats to the officers. The officers were trying to control the high-risk car stop, unsure of the dangers the suspects presented, at the same time they had to maintain an awareness of the danger presented by the crowd. The officers had requested additional help and were waiting for its arrival before moving forward.

To assess the danger from those behind them was necessary and reasonable. To glance over at the crowd while keeping their firearms pointed at the identified suspects was also reasonable.

The published photo captures a moment in time--not the entire incident as it unfolded. Because the officers turned their heads to assess the danger behind them, not to “pose for the camera,” doesn’t mean they lost sight of public safety or their objective. The fact that the incident was concluded with the suspects taken into custody with no harm to them, the officers or the public gives weight to the success of the procedures used.

The men and women of the Ventura Police Department are proud of the service we provide to the public and will continue to do our utmost to respond to events in a calm, professional manner.

MIKE TRACY

Chief, Ventura Police Department