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LAPD officers were notably "relaxed" on May Day '08; not so much in '07 | Photo by Tom Andrews/LAist
Over one year after the May 1st protest turned violent in MacArthur park (earning the events of that day in 2007 the moniker "May Day Melee"), 19 members of the LAPD stand apart from the crowd, as they now face punishment for their role in the incident.
Multiple civilians were injured, as hundreds of videos and photos attest, as officers opted to combat the crowds by "swinging batons and firing foam rubber bullets at journalists and immigrant rights protesters," reports the LA Times. In fact, according to the Daily News, in addition to the hundreds of people injured, "protesters filed more than 240 claims against the city," following the protest. Now 17 officers and two sergeants--"but no high-ranking officials," notes the Daily News--have been called out and face undisclosed punishments. The Times explains that "under department rules, the penalties can range from a relatively minor official reprimand to termination."
The actions of the 19 LAPD personnel is being labeled "misconduct," however some believe the department is being too generous in regards to who is being singled out and to what extent. The exclusion of higher-ups has eyebrows being raised, and the issue of "individual accountability and remediation" brought to the forefront. The Times quotes Mayor Villaraigosa as responding to the announcement of the pending punishment and upcoming Board of Rights hearings each officer is entitled to as follows: "The people of Los Angeles are looking for responsibility and accountability and really expect it."
The fact that only lower-ranked individuals are being scrutinized not only skips over the issue of properly examining those who give commands and support the officers in their charge, but also the fact that the disciplinary action largely stems from the fact that the actions of the LAPD were so well-documented on video, forcing them to be held accountable when, for the most part, their actions go unwitnessed.
The outcome of the hearings could take weeks or months, and the hearings are "closed to the public," explains the Times. At the very least, this past May Day did not find either massive, unprecedented crowds or LAPD officers engaged in misconduct; the ultimate price of their 2007 actions is still being calculated.
Previously on LAist:
Bill Maher's thoughts on the LAPD during May Day '07
Photo Essay: May Day 2007 March Downtown
Video: A blogger captures people's reactions to May Day/LAPD
May Day 2008: The Logistics
Photo Essay: May Day 2008, the LAPD are Relaxed
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Well, I will say that I'm actually pretty surprised anything has come of this; it's been a pretty tiring battle myself; I was one of the civilians who filed a report against the LAPD. I gave two separate interviews after filing the report and I've never heard back from anyone. :(
It is disturbing that no higher-ups were involved; the directive to attack must've come from someone, right?
Hey, at least this has brought about a total change in how the LAPD treats peaceful demonstrators.
Several demonstrations I attended at the DLC in 2000, and at the protest against police brutality/Mumia march in Oct. the same year, police got violent for no apparent reason.
Not a peep out of the media. L.A. Times coverage of the Mumia march blamed it all on the protestors.
May Day last year the media gets roughed up and it's a total shit storm. I'm not real surprized, but it took the media getting a taste of the heavy handedness of the LAPD to get it looked at and to change things.
Nowadays the LAPD are actually nice to you at a demonstration.
a cop ain't shit without the badge. stupid power hungry jerks.
"misconduct"? if i hit a camera man in the back with a baton it would be considered assault with a deadly weapon.
oh by the way to panasonicyouth:
bravo for fighting the good fight. thanks for not going away from the event with a whimper and not holding the LAPD accountable.
i agree with you its shocking that no higher ups were named. because anyplace you have that large of a police presence and not at least have a lieutenant on the scene with them. if they aren't up on charges they should at least cited for dereliction of duty, in allowing their subordinates to.. basically go nutz.
Jrb, you're right. The few protests I've fone too since May 2007 have been really pleasant; it's just unfortunate that such a chaotic and terrifying situation had to bring about that change.
GONE TO.
I should learn how to spell.