Restrained--or Fearful?

Mayor Richard Riordan and Police Chief Bernard C. Parks denounced the mob violence that followed the Los Angeles Laker victory Monday night but said they wanted to keep the incident in perspective: It could have been much worse. Indeed, but they glossed over the bigger question that the matter now poses: Are the Los Angeles Police Department and city officials prepared for the Democratic National Convention in August? Monday night’s slow- motion response to crowds of riotous youths raises disturbing issues. Were the police both properly restrained and effective in keeping the situation from spinning out of control? Or was the police response actually reluctant, restricted by political fear?

The vandalism and violence were largely confined to a small part of downtown near Staples Center but resulted in four minor injuries to LAPD officers, the trashing and/or burning of two patrol cars and two television news vans, and 23 calls for city firefighters. Helicopter news footage was beamed to TV viewers around the world.

Chief Parks said that the disturbance gave police an opportunity to try a response that the city had been preparing for control of violent crowds. The goal was to hold back, be restrained and not anger the crowd. The chief was asked what he thought about a large group of police officers standing by while the crowd shoved against a line of trapped cars containing helpless motorists. Was that OK?

“It wasn’t OK,” Parks answered. “But would you rather have written stories today [Tuesday] about how the police overreacted?” His concern about how it would play in the media is understandable; with the Rampart scandal, it’s been a bruising year for the LAPD. But is the “how will it play in the press” question interfering with police officers doing their job properly?

Riordan pointed out that the disturbance pales in comparison with some that have stemmed from sports events around the world. Just this past weekend, 450 British and German soccer fans were arrested before the two nations’ Euro 2000 match, and riotous behavior has followed some Super Bowl and other NBA championship games.

Los Angeles is hosting the Democratic National Convention in less than eight weeks. Phalanxes of protesters are expected, including many seasoned by disruptive demonstrations at World Trade Organization meetings in Seattle and Washington, D.C.

There has to be a reasonable middle ground between police overreaction (the Rodney King beating) and police paralysis (the 1992 riots). The department has to be sure that it maintains that balance. Los Angeles residents want assurances that the LAPD’s tiptoeing through a political mine field of police corruption and scandal has not left the department tentative and shellshocked. The public wants to know that the LAPD understands the middle ground and can quickly and confidently take appropriate action.

Mayor Riordan said that Chief Parks, Fire Chief William Bamattre and other city officials will review Monday night’s events and report back with recommendations. That’s good. There is much to rethink as the convention draws near.