Inquest into LAPD clash with May Day protesters begins

by Kaitlin | May 30, 2007 at 10:48 am

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A May Day protest in LA that turned violent has become the subject of an investigation for the LAPD. A preliminary report was just released, and is to be followed up by the Police Chief going in front of council today. The main issues seem to centre around a lack of control and command of officers during the protest.

It's good that such incidents (many of which were caught on sureveillance videos in MacArthur Park) are being investigated; however, I am continuously suspicious of internal police investigations anywhere. Thoughts?

Many of the officers were unable to identify their incident commander, while the order to fire foam-rubber bullets came from a commander stationed several blocks away, LAPD Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell told the Police Commission.

Authorities say 146 such projectiles were fired during the melee, which left a number of people -- including journalists -- injured. More than 500 officers were deployed in and around the park.