The University of California, Los Angeles, has announced significant changes to its security operations in response to the violence that occurred during recent campus protests regarding the war in Gaza. Chancellor Gene D. Block revealed the decision on Sunday, emphasizing the need for urgent modifications in safety procedures to ensure the protection of the school community. He also pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the security processes in place.
As part of the restructuring, oversight and management of the UCLA Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management will be transferred to a newly established Office of Campus Safety. The head of this office will report directly to Chancellor Block, providing focused leadership on campus safety matters during challenging times.
To lead the Office of Campus Safety, Rick Braziel, the former chief of the Sacramento Police Department, has been appointed as the associate vice chancellor. With over three decades of experience in public safety, Braziel brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having previously served as an instructor in community policing and conducted reviews of law enforcement departments and police responses.
The decision to revamp security operations follows a series of protests at UCLA calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the university's divestment from Israel. During these demonstrations, police intervention resulted in the use of rubber bullets to disperse protesters, while masked individuals reportedly attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment without police intervention, leading to physical altercations.
In his statement, Chancellor Block acknowledged the strain on trust within the community due to recent events, highlighting the importance of enhancing campus safety measures to address such challenges effectively.
