After-action, Pro-Choice rally on November 12, 1989 at Cheviot Hills Park, 1989-12-15

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Content ..1) INTRAD_ ~P~N~L-· CORRESPONDENCE \ ,-- 1 I / December 15, 198-9 ;:.· '. 6.3 TO: Commanding · Offic~r, ·.--J)peratio.ns .. West- Bureau FROM: Commanding :Otficer, _ WLA ~atrol. .. Division . . . - :.,, . . SUBJECT: AFTER ACTIO~ R.EPO~ ... 0~ PR0-'110-I~E · flALLY /DEMONSTRATION Attached is the After -Action ~eport of the -Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration q~id . . ~ o,p November . . 12, 1989, . at Cheviot Hills Park, Pico . and Motor Ayenues, in West - ~Los Angeles~ V. M ~ PROCTOR, Capta~n ; - -· Commanding Officer . West Los Angeles _ Patrol ~ Division APPROVED: , · ·1 I /, I h ' 1 ,1 / 4 } ··f ,~ <' ~ t \...,i. ~-,·-- . /~ ... M.A. BAGDO AS, · . .C.apt~i,n . ... Commanding Of. f icer · · -: West Los Ange'i. ~_ s · Area ./ I I R1ci1v1Q . L LC _ .l B 1989 . NnftN~!!~NS --~•caau-, ·- > .. 1 ~ I , I •· / / I / \. , . PRO-CHOICE RALLY/DEMONSTRATION NOVEMBER 12, 1989 AFTER ACTION REPORT TYPE OF OCCURRENCE Background \.. The primary sponsor of the Pro-Choice rally was a group called CARAL, California Abortion Rights Action League. In addition to CARAL, the event was promoted by the 150-member "Coalition For Reproductive Freedom." The goal of the event was to receive national media attention for "Pro-Choice" and to obtain public support for contributions. The organizers anticipated that the event would draw approximately 10,000 participants. This estimation initially appeared to be a realistic assessment because November 12, 1989, was designated as National Pro-Choice Day, and because of the ·heated emotions connected with abortion issues. After ·several conversations and two meetings with sponsor representatives, Ivan Schwartz, John Hoyte and Diane Bockhantz (CARAL-1337 Santa Monica Mall #308, Santa Monica 90406; 213 393-0513) · , it became clear that their movement had a significant following in the Los Angeles area . . It was determined that the CARAL was well organized and had the resources and contacts not only to stage a large event but also to call on well-known celebrities and political figures to advocate and support their. cause. Intelligence Swnmary Although a gathering of 10,000 people at an event within the City of Los Angeles generally requires minimal police response for traffic and crowd control, the very nature and subject matter of this Pro-Choice rally suggested that a high profile of police presence would do much to minimize 'potential problems and prevent confrontations between groups with opposing abortion positions. The "CARAL" sponsors initially :anticipated a dozen Pro-Life followers to attend and demonstrate at the rally. However, as the event neared, they increased their estimate to 100-200. Anti-Terrorist Division (Detective Graham) and Criminal Conspiracy Section (Detectives Mattingly and Montoya) were contacted for specific intelligence information regarding the appearance of Pro-Life groups at the rally and the potential for violent or aggravated confrontations between the two groups. No definite information was developed concerning these factors. In addition, "Lexus-Nexus" information was reviewed in an effort to profile the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life groups. Unfortunately, most of thi.s information was related to facts concerning "rescues" and was of little use for application to this planned event. It was learned, however, that from November 10, 1989, through ,/ ~ Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report Page 2 November 16, 1989, the Pro-Life ''D.C. Project" was to occ· ur in Washington D.C. As a week slated for demonstrations, rescues and fund raising, the D.C. Project was expected to draw Pro-Life leaders from Los Angeles to participate in that event. It was also speculated that if the Pro-Life leaders were absent from Los Angeles, it would reduce the participation of Pro-Life demonstrators at the Pro-Choice Rally in Los Angeles. Location The location of the Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration was Cheviot Hills Park (Motor Avenue and Pico Boulevard) West Los Angeles. A "Use" permit was secured by the Pro-Choice . gr·oup through the Department of Parks and Recreation. Dates, Times and Duration The demonstration took place as announced on Sunday 11-12-89, 1200. -1430 hours. FIELD COMMAND POST Location of the Command Post The Department of Parks and Recreation's maintenance yard, parking lot and office building, located at the northwest end of Cheviot Hills Park was utilized for the field command post. Command Post Staffing Field Commander - Captain Vance Proctor -- _, Executive Officer - Sergeant II Rick Walker Operations/Intelligence Officer - Sergeant IS. Schott Staging Officer/Personnel Officer - Sergeant T. Todaro Journal Keeper/Communications Operator - Officer C. Woods Mobil Command Post Vehicle "MERV" Watch Schedule Roll call for WLA officers assigned to the event was 0900 hours at WLA Station. Metro Mounted Unit officers staged at the 1 Command Post at approximately 1015 hours. / . ,, Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report · Page 3 PLANNING on October 27, 1989, a meeting was held among representatives of CARAL, WLA Patrol Division, L.A. Park Rangers, Park Officials and the Department of Transportation. An under standing was reached regarding the promoters of the "Use" permit, the posture and response of concerned City entities and the proposed Rally program which included a partial list of guest celebrities and political figures who would be attending. On CARAL4-89, an orientation meeting was held by CARAL for 250 of their volunteers, and updated event information was provided by WLA supervisor, Sergeant Todaro, who was in attendance. On November 6, 1989, Sergeant Schott, WLA Patrol, met with Sergeant Smith, Metropolitan Division Mounted Unit, and walked through the event site to develop and discuss tactics and the deployment of the Mounted Unit. On November 7, 1989·, Sergeant Schott up~ated Captain Proctor, Commanding Officer, WLA Patrol Division, and Commander Jones, Commanding Officer, Operations West Bureau. It was decided that WLA Patrol Division personnel would be supplemented by 10 mounted officers and three motor officers. In addition, . Department of Transportation personnel would be deployed, at the Field Commander's· option, to specific intersections for traffic control. STRATEGY Tactics Tactics were considered relative to the appearance, .interference / and number of opposing groups and the response of Pro-Choice / members to the other groups. In addition, plans were developed to use mounted units to assist footbeat officers in effecting actual arrest(s). If a situation warranted it, the Mounted Unit could be used to divide rand push the crowd out of the park. I / Response Roll call was held at WLA Station at 0900 hours as scheduled. Concerned supervisors reported at 0630 and ensured the posting of several explorers in order to ensure that the ingress and egress avenues to the Command Post were kept clear. The Command Post was activated at 0945. At approximately 1030 hours, hundreds of participants started arriving. The sponsors / / I / Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report Page 4 provided shuttle buses from various parking sites in nearby Century City. From 1030 until the termination of the event there was a heavy flow of pedestrians and buses from the satellite parking sites to the park. The Mounted Unit was deployed at approximately 1100 hours and O/P-1 was established on top of the park's gymnasium. O/P-1 was responsible for ensuring that the gymnasium remained readily accessible as a temporary jail facility. At approximately 1120, twelve to twenty Pro-Life demonstrators arrived at the location. They were approached and advised of 55.07 LAMC (Placard Pole Limitations). Although the Pro-Life counter-demonstrators were cooperative, they did not want to follow the Pro-Choice ~uggestion of going to a designated counter-demonstration area at the north end of the gymnasium. Arguments between the two sides occurred, but everyone maintained a respectable distance from each other. Half of the LAPD personnel had to be deployed for traffic control as the Department of Transportation (DOT) was slow in responding to the incident, and also did not deploy the number · of units that had been originally requested (6 units and 1 supervisor). DOT originally wanted CARAL to secure a special event permit for the event. If CARAL had obtained the permit, DOT would have deployed the required number of units on an overtime basis. As it turned out, DOT refused to dedicate any - units to the event; however, they did deploy a supervisor and two or three units in the sector in which the park was located on a temporary basis. As the event developed and the .need for greater traffic control became evident, DOT persisted in failing to cooperate with Command Post instructions and requests for additional DOT units. Their lack of cooperation adversely impacted · 1APD's efficiency : Had a significant peace keeping or arrest situation developed, police response, effectiveness and security would have been negatively impacted because of the necessity to redeploy police personnel, including the Mounted Unit, to traffic control duties. · When approximately 12,000-14,000 people gathered at the park, it became apparent that the Mounted Unit's effectiveness would be hampered by the numerous signs, ropes, banners and security tape which had been installed throughout the area. In addition, many babies, children, elderly and handicapped people were present. ·sergeant Finley of the Mounted Unit indicated that his team would only be able to move the crowd a section at a time in a very slow, non-aggressive and methodical manner. Fortunately, the need for such a tactical operation never arose. •·••· - ----:J!l . / / / I / Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Act~on Report Page 4 provided shuttle buses from various parking sites in nearby Century City. From 1030 until the termination of the event there was a heavy flow of pedestrians and buses from the satellite parking sites to the park. The Mounted Unit was deployed at approximately 1100 hours and O/P-1 was established on top of the park's gymnasium. O/P-1 was responsible for ensuring that the gymnasium remained readily accessible as a temporary jail facility. At approximately 1120, twelve to twenty Pro-Life demonstrators arrived at the location. They were approached and advised of 55.07 LAMC (Placard Pole Limitations). Although the Pro-Life counter-demonstrators were cooperative, they did not want to follow the Pro-Choice ~uggestion of going to a designated counter-demonstration area at the north end of the gymnasium. Arguments between the two sides occurred, but everyone maintained a respectable distance from each other. Half of the LAPD personnel had to be deployed for traffic control as the Department of Transportation (DOT) was slow in responding to the incident, and also did not deploy the number of units that had been originally requested (6 units and 1 supervisor). DOT originally wanted CARAL to secure a special event permit for the event. If CARAL had obtained the permit, DOT would have deployed the required number of units on an overtime basis. As it turned out, DOT refused to dedicate any - units to the event; however, they did deploy a supervisor and two or three units in the sector in which the park was located on a temporary basis. As the event developed and the need for greater traffic control became evident, DOT persisted in failing to cooperate with Command Post instructions and requests for additional DOT units. Their lack of cooperation adversely impacted · LAPD' s efficiency.- Had a significant peace keeping or arrest situation developed, police response, effectiveness and security would have been negatively impacted because of the necessity to redeploy police personnel, including the Mounted Unit, to traffic control duties. · When approximately 12,000-14,000 people gathered at the park, it became apparent that the Mounted Unit's effectiveness would be hampered by the numerous signs, ropes, banners and security tape which had been installed throughout the area. In addition, many babies, children, elderly and handicapped people were present. Sergeant· Finley of the Mounted Unit indicated that his team would only be able to move the crowd a section at a time in a very slow, non-aggressive and methoqical manner. Fortunately, the need for such a tactical operation never arose. ···-----,r,i / / I / Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report Page 5 The event proved to be a peaceful rally with overwhelming public support and wide-spread media coverage. CRIMES AND ARRESTS None DEATH AND INJURIES None PROPERTY DAMAGE None PERSONNEL A total of. 38 police officers, 10 L.A. Park Rangers and 11 • Explorers were deployed at the event. (The number of DOT personnel who actually assisted in traffic control at the event is not known because they did not check in at the Command Post even though they were directed to do so). Deployment See attached Daily Worksheet (Addendum 1). Logistics Rover Frequency 6 1 "MERV" Vehicle 1 Jail Bus 1 Spotting Scope 1 "Bull;" Horn Miscellaneous cuffs 1 Tow Truck (assigned to the Command Post by Rheuban's Tow). No costs in the use of the logistical equipment incurred, as these items, except for the complimentary stand-by use of the tow truck, were standard LAPD equipment. / / I / Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report Page 6 Critique Although intelligence regarding the event was minimal or non existent, nothing indicated that a major problem would develop. It was felt that police involvement would be relegated to crowd and traffic control. The most negative aspect of the entire incident was DOT's resistance to cooperate with LAPD. Indeed, toward the end of the event when DOT finally responded with a sufficient number of units, their response was essentially too late. The DOT units which ultimately responded were~ called from home rather than having DOT officers from other bureaus respond. The lack of cooperation was so demonstrative that the situation required Cqmmander Jones, Commanding Officer, Operations West Bureau, to intercede in an attempt to obtain additional DOT units. The DOT policies concerning their response to incidents, events and preplanned special events should be reviewed and revised. An agreement should be obtained between DOT and the Department which clearly allows the Department to call upon the resources of the DOT for assistance and receive a prompt response. Once the resources are made available there should also be a clear understanding that DOT personnel are to be at the direction of the Department until their assistance is no longer needed. In addition, a Special Events Coordinator at the DOT west-side headquarters should be designated. The original DOT super visor who attended the planning meeting did not appear attuned to the needs of the public. As t~e event neared and was underway, too many DOT entities were involved. None of them appeared willing or able to make a decision concerning personnel deployment. Local special event responsibility must be assured and assigned. ·/· The use of the MERV cellular telephone proved invaluable. The organizer of the Pro-Choice Demonstration, Ivan Schwartz, had a portable cellular telephone on his person during the demonstra tion. Several times Pro-Abortion and Anti-Abortion demonstra tors were on the verge of clashing. The instantaneous contact with Schwartz by the Field Commander via the cellular phone allowed Schwartz to respond to the incident .and get the Pro Abortion demonstrators to walk away. Without the instantaneous communication with Schwartz, Department intervention would have been neces$ary. The portable cellular phone is a piece of equipment every Division should have. / / I I / Pro-Choice Rally/Demonstration After Action Report Page 7 1. Daily Worksheet. ADDENDA 2. Sponsors memorandum to its staff and volunteers. 3. Event Log. ! I - ._, . PRO CHOICE RALLY · CHEVIOT HILLS PARK 15.25.0 (7/82) LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT DAILY WORK SHEET ROCL CALL 0900 HRS AT WLA AR[A / OIV AR[A COMMANDING OFFICER I o1~· ;;M;~o1~~;~~;() R ~JI ~ CAPT .. BAGDONAS . ... IGNMINT ROVOI SHOI' NAMl(S) -- -· - T .I.~ IJ 68'1BR t'. r---.(c , C . , .... ,,· ,., . SGT. I I R. WALKER .f=.1 r;_ 1.• -;-;-; ""' - ; .~r~ I I .•• • ~ , / ,J !. -- .. . ~ - ,, INll:LL OFCR - SGT. SCHOTT PER. sn OECR/PRE ss- SGTo TODARO CUMM/ JOURNAL OFC \~OODS, C P2 LOGISTIC L BUS 809 MOUNT P2 - aQ20 - SGTo at,RoARA 8Q30 - SGTo WAKER I ELD W l IL Ll ts t-' j 8Ql V - ./1'1 JLllll.t,< 1 P2 VET1RAINO P3 - 802 OSCHMAN Pl ENBODY 1-'j - 8Q3 ✓ MARRUFO Pl FLOWERS P2 - .,, RUBLACAVA Pl I... 1-'l __ ,. ___ ._ 8~ !; , ·- - ~CHUGH e, •/ ~~~r~ r'~ 8Q6 - P2 BOD - EVANS PZ ,4 8 REP~ ill P2 },- t / /..: ~~,/ RAGAN P3 8011 - LEWIS P3 0/P-1 - JACQUET Pl J'l'. u ,,.._ , ·- -"l~KN/-Z:. ,,., ~edfl7'•.;z. £/ J~ '4 hli At _,. I'· I I 34M45 - H - U DD L E ST ON P2+2 34M46 - LEBUS P2+2 34M42 - MARKUS SEN P2+2 - - EXPLORE~ I (. ! _J_ / 4 + *ARREST TEAM SECTORING "LOW KEY" UNIT \I,. OT,.Ot TMM ~ATIIO~ I EOW SU~. NITS . WA I'-" HEND;~SON j°;y;~ WK. ,O•;;_l 2-89 \WA;~ SGT. STATION DETAIL/Sl'!CIAL O!TAIL DO/SICK/ 100/VACA TION/ nc. COMMAND POST METRO Cheviot Hills MOUNTED UNIT MAINTENANCE yt W/END OF PARK R20E SGTo FENNELL N • SERVICE ROt R8l MERV # R82 819-1549 CHEVIOT HILLS R83 RECREATION CEr DIRECTOR: - R84 DON RUSSELL R/C 0900 837-5186 ON SITE · 1030 LA PARK RANGEF RANGER - ANNE REDDING, CONTI PERSON. 665-5: , DOT !U"P'"V FORD 312-8403 TOTAL PERSONNE WLA 24 24 SGIII 1 SGTo 1 4 P-3 8 P-2 10 P-1 4 - ' WTD 3 - - P2+2 3 METRO/ MOUNTED ~- SGTll .l P-3 8 · LOGISTitS /IU,U • ~.,_._,,,,_,c: /-/J'i~~',,,, J - ,rA,, <f".,_, I• ""'""'..,_,,.;U" / -~ ,..,,. ~ ,,...., .... ~ - ,, / / I / MEMORANDUM TO: Julie and Marilyn Bergman FROM: Ruth Hunter RE: LA. Program DATE: October 31, 1989 -------------··---· .. ··~------·······-----------------·-----------···--- I ._, The Coalition Proaram Committee has agreed that the program should basically consist of roughly 1/3 cclebs, 1/3 activists/electeds (clergy, medical, etc.), and 1/3 testimonials. · Just to catch you up to date on the people that we have nailed down as far as participants are concern~d, here's what weve got so far: I Bands -Bonnie Raitt has said yes -Danny Goldberg is talking to Pat Benatar. -Patrick Lippert is dealing with managers. etc. for Los Lobos, Rickie Lee Jones, and Paula Abdul. He thinks we have the best shot at Paula. -A big name band would definitely double and possibly triple the base crowd of 10,000 that we are anticipating. II Entertainment Community (see attached) · In our preliminary discussions we talked about having a family feel to the event, having husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, etc. speaking and introducing in tandem. ' -In addition to the _ attached list Sally Field has just. said yes. _, I ./ III Activists/Clergy /Medical -Kate Michaelman. President of NARAL -Episcopal minister George Regas -Rabbi Laura Geller -Jim Lawson• head of S.C.LC. -Ana Diaz, head of family planning at LA. County /USC Women's Hospital -Mary Luke- Asians for Choice -Dr. Siri Kyros -Dr. David Grimes can not do it 1 ,, .... v ui o:, .. .:, • .;:.:, n.....,,-1,.. CELEBRITY CHOICE UST: as of November 1, 1989 9:00 AM Conftnned: • de1lpates addldon LOS ANGEJ BS PEI EGATION Meredith Baxter Birney (not for public announcement) Elayne Boosler Belinda Carlisle Patti D'Arbanville Geena Davis Jeramie Dreyfuss Richard Dreyfuss Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker Troy Evans - Sally Fiela Robert Foxworth Bonnie Franklin • Jamie Gertz Cynthia Gibb Robert Ginty Jeff Goldblum • Unda Gray Jennifer Grey • j � Goldie Hawn Mariel Hemingway Howard Hesscman Peter Horton Amy Irving (tentative) Joanna Kerns Dinah Manoff Robin Mattson Constance McCashin Ali McGraw Elizabeth Montgomery ,, Laraine Newman r Denise Nicholas I ,. Sarah Jessica Parker. ' Robert Picardo (plus family) Paula Poundstone Holly Robinson * ~~\e ~lTr Cynthia Sikes * ::Jin II ::TA t ~✓d N Lea Thompson \. c_ Blair Underwood ~ $~~,,.~,,,, C/7;ec✓.rA~ 111 Ned Vaughn Robert Walden Patty Wettig ~d Ken Olin -:-.::,- Brian Wilson / Alfre Woodard • Zappa family I . • I ' I / / / .. calls into: -Dr. Xylina Bean -Dr. Jessie Scerrad -Rev. Carl Jlean . -Rev. l&nazio Castvera Suggestions: -Irish CAtholic Pritilcin doctor IV Activists/Electeds After much discussion we agreed that we would keep political speeches to a minimum. We plan to have 3-4 speeches with a number of elected officials introducing - other people. Speaking: � -Rep. Pat Schroeder -Maxine Waters -John Seymour, (recent GOP convert, state senator) -Leo McCarthy Introducing: -Zev -Hayden -Friedman -Kathleen Brown •MargoliQ •Katz ~Chris Reed (GOP Santa Monica) V Testimonials _, We would love to ~ave Linda Ellerbee emcee this portion of the program. Oprah turned us . down. Carole Heminway has also been suggested. / -Norma Mccorvey confirmed Other suggestions: -Rosa Martinez -Fatima Cortez . -Teen Advocates -Ex-Marine j ,1 '1 .· .. ;:...- .. ~ ·:· ( .-~ : ;~1~ ;- 4 - - . · · ::~; t~:,;:8;,.~, ;. , . \ \~ D c.. P, .. -~ _ _ , _\')_ ~ \J i··· - \ ; - / \~SC ✓ ,.·•. :· . / D I l - . ..... , .. • • • :-'1 ~ ·~ .. ... ; ·• ,•·-< ·.\-1 I '1 I - .,, ; I ( .· ,.;,.. .. _, _ . .. ·--··- ' I • ._ :•. i.:.: • _ :, C .. ,. . •_, ' ; .,_ • • _.._ • J ~ .;1-.,~ t:.. ,:r ~ ~ f-9~~¼>-V W-. oN~ t( . L ,,. . . . . . -. : . ~- --. . • .. ·. . . . .... .. . . , ,.· . · --t~ .... . •' : .... : ;:: . -- - . _ _ _ -_ ]l. - / l~ · / / .. "'· ~ ' .. .. _ . ". - :: .- · _,._. ; . . c_p - . ... - ... . . ·. --·- !!j . . - . - ! . -:~• ... .. · ~ . \ . •' ,. , ,, 1 " • • • - d •' •'!,~ J'; ,._ .' :; : • . .. . . 1 • • +'"°'\.,.• • ~ i ,, . , /~ , , / . • . . - • ." .._ . . _.f ,., .. 1 .- , . . _. .. - -~- -: -- . 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