by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright August 16, 2000
All Rights Reserved.

itting tall in the saddle, Bernard Parks and the Los Angeles Police Department took a giant step in restoring their damaged credibility by professional management of the Democratic National Convention. Picking themselves up off the mat in the wake of the devastating Rampart’s scandal, the LAPD displayed remarkable skill securing the streets around Staples Center. When the streets erupted in violence following the Lakers’ victory in the NBA Championships, doubts were raised whether the beleaguered department was up to the task of managing security for the DNC convention. While the LAPD looked tentative then, they’re now demonstrating methodical control. "We have two goals," said LAPD official spokesman, Comdr. David Kalish, "to deter demonstrations and provide a calming effect on city residents and visitors." After effectively quelling a riot at Monday night’s Rage Against the Machine concert in the fenced-off demonstration area just north of the Staples Center, Comdr. Kalish admitted, "It’s almost a no win situation. Some will view it as we waited too long, some will view it as moving too quickly."

       Comparisons to Chicago in 1968 belie the reality that there’s no compelling cause—like Vietnam—in Los Angeles 2000. While various groups stake their constitutional rights to peaceably assemble, there are also professional terrorists disrupting legitimate demonstrations. Monday night’s concert was a perfect case in point where a handful of rabble-rousers rained on protestors’ parade. Criticizing the LAPD for dispersing the 'critical mass' is like asking the dentist to yank out half of a decayed tooth. Expecting pinpoint, surgical precision with crowd management is both naive and risky. Alluding to Chicago riots, "The lessons that the LAPD should take to heart should not be to shoot first and ask questions or give directions later . . ." said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the Los Angeles ACLU, misstating LAPD’s advanced warning and order to disperse. Sounding a familiar refrain, Ripston noted, "The lesson the LAPD should take to heart is that the suppression of speech runs counter to the principles of American democracy . . ." Stopping chaos, preventing crime and controlling violence don’t compromise the First Amendment—they rescue it.

       Pushing the limits, certain protesters seem bent on setting up the LAPD to overreact—perhaps even to capture the next 'Rodney King' video. So far, the LAPD hasn’t jumped at the bait. They’ve done what any responsible police department would do—stop the violence and preserve the peace. Like Seattle’s World Trade Organization protests, LA’s legitimate demonstrations are subverted by professional trouble-makers whose mission involves creating a public record confirming police brutality. Sure, LA’s had a reputation for 'kick-ass' police, but Chief Bernard Parks & Co. have bent over backwards to tolerate legitimate demonstrations. Throwing bricks, setting fires, climbing fences, smoking pot and shouting obscenities are not guaranteed by the First Amendment. Police are not in the position of 'cherry picking' when combustible crowds go ballistic because a handful of insurgents instigate violence. Even under ideal circumstances, the police must sometimes 'sweep' the environment of suspects to protect innocent victims. Whether protesting about police misconduct or genetically-altered fruit, protesters have a responsibility to contain unlawful elements within their own ranks.

       When Attorney General Janet Reno decided to intervene at Waco, it wasn’t because she wanted to compromise the rights or safety of innocent cult members. Placing themselves in the fray, unsuspecting disciples took needless risks by joining a group in which there was verifiable criminal activity. Protesters must also be cognizant of disguised criminals whose real mission is not advancing the cause but breaking the law or creating violence and chaos. When spontaneous combustion occurs, it’s law enforcement’s responsibility to restore order. Though some civilians advocate different methods, the police have standard operating procedures for managing crowd violence. In a given situation, field commanders must act decisively with the least restrictive force to contain violent episodes. Bullhorns, rubber bullets, pepper spray, bean bags, horse patrols or any other means are used not to suppress free speech but to contain violence. Guardians of free speech must not confuse law enforcement’s mandate to control violence with protesters’ First Amendment rights.

       Three cheers to Bernard Parks and the LAPD for professionally managing the streets of Los Angeles. Watching the mayhem following the Lakers’ victory celebration reminded everyone that inaction breeds more violence and endangers innocent citizens. There’s a difference between a strong police presence and excessive police intervention. With the help of the California Highway Patrol, the LAPD established sufficient ground forces in the area surrounding the Staples Center to maintain control. Occupying key positions, they’ve protected delegates and assured that they can handle the shenanigans of terrorists seeking to spoil one of LA’s proudest moments. Not since the 1984 Olympics has Los Angeles held the national and world spotlight. Thanks to exhaustive preparation, the LAPD met the test. Unlike in Seattle, the Democrat’s big show will go on without interruption.

       Fighting today’s sensational news cycle, the LAPD resisted getting sucked into a spectacle by professional hell-raisers bent on giving Los Angeles a black eye. When John F. Kennedy summoned Americans to greatness in Los Angeles 40 years ago, he raised expectations about compassion and fulfilling God-given potentials. Today, the LAPD exceeded expectations, achieving high marks for professionalism in managing the streets. While it’s easy to criticize law enforcement’s every move, it’s sometimes difficult to give credit where it’s due. They’ve now got the hoodlums on the run protecting the legitimate voices of dissent. With the LAPD doing its job, it’s now up to the protesters to make sure that subversives don’t spoil their First Amendment rights. Threatening lawsuits, screaming 'police brutality,' and hiding behind the First Amendment don’t protect free speech, public safety or anything else. Civil liberties can’t be protected without controlling the streets. Despite all the smoke, the LAPD must continue proudly doing its job.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for The Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in human behavior, health care, political research and media consultation. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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