Databec|UCLA police chief reassigned following criticism over handling of campus demonstrations

2025-05-05 08:12:11source:TitanX Exchangecategory:Finance

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Databecpolice chief at the University of California, Los Angeles, has been reassigned following criticism over his handling of recent campus demonstrations that included a mob attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment.

Chief John Thomas was temporarily reassigned Tuesday “pending an examination of our security processes,” said Mary Osako, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications, in a statement released Wednesday.

The Daily Bruin reported late Tuesday that Thomas said in a text to the campus newspaper, “There’s been a lot going on and, I learned late yesterday that I’m temporarily reassigned from my duties as chief.”

Neither Osako nor Thomas identified his reassigned role.

The reassignment of Thomas follows UCLA’s May 5 announcement of the creation of a new chief safety officer position to oversee campus security operations.

Thomas told the Los Angeles Times in early May that he did “everything I could” to provide security and keep students safe during days of strife that left UCLA shaken.

But his response was roundly criticized and prompted Chancellor Gene Block to order a review of campus security procedures. Block then announced that Rick Braziel, a former Sacramento police chief, would lead a new Office of Campus Safety that will oversee the UCLA Police Department.

READ MORE Graduating seniors seek degrees in climate change and more US universities deliverWest Virginia lawmakers approve funding to support students due to FAFSA delaysPolice break up pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan

“To best protect our community moving forward, urgent changes are needed in how we administer safety operations,” Block said in the May 5 statement.

Sporadic disruptions continued following the dismantling of a pro-Palestinian encampment and some 200 arrests on April 30.

Block has been summoned to Washington by a Republican-led House committee to testify Thursday about the protests on the Los Angeles campus.

More:Finance

Recommend

Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires

Global warming caused mainly by burning of fossil fuels made the hot, dry and windy conditions that

NFL schedule today: What to know about Jets at 49ers on Monday Night Football

Aaron Rodgers takes center stage again on Monday Night Football. Let’s hope this season doesn’t begi

YouTube removes right-wing media company's channels after indictment alleges Russian funding

YouTube terminated several right-wing channels linked to accusations made by federal authorities who