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UCLA police chief out one month after scathing audit
John Thomas was selected UCLA police chief in January 2024.
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Courtesy UCLA Police Department
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Topline:
UCLA police chief John Thomas is out one month after a scathing audit criticized how the university handled protests last spring.
Why now: A University of California investigation released last month found administrators and police responded in a chaotic way to violence at an on-campus encampment last spring. University officials called on officers with the LAPD, California Highway Patrol, and UCLA police to respond to violence at the encampment. Police clashed with protesters and arrested more than 200 people.
Why it matters: UCLA students said their encampment, created in protest of Israel’s war effort in Gaza, was protected speech.
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Reactions: UCLA has not responded to requests for comment on whether Thomas was fired or resigned. The Federated University Peace Officers’ Association, the union that represents Thomas and other UC police officers, said Thomas became a scapegoat for the university’s missteps.
What's next: UCLA will go about hiring a new police chief. In a statement, a spokesperson for UC's Office of the President said "the specific hiring processes (i.e., members of an interview panel, how to advertise the role) will be determined by campus human resources personnel and the hiring manager."
Go deeper: Here’s the University of California audit released in November.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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