The University of California’s Board of Regents approved the request for additional non-lethal weapons by UCLA police following protests related to the Israel-Hamas war.
The equipment included pepper balls, sponge rounds, projectile launchers, and drones. Approval was also given for similar equipment requests for the nine other police departments on UC campuses.
Driving the news: Clashes between protesters and counterprotesters on the UCLA campus resulted in over a dozen injuries and more than 200 arrests.
- Following the protests, concerns were raised about the use of non-lethal weapons by UCLA police, with faculty and students criticizing the department for injuries sustained during demonstrations.
The big picture: The requested equipment additions included more pepper balls, sponge and foam rounds, less lethal projectile launchers, and drones.
- The drones were intended for assisting with search and rescue missions. The report indicated that the equipment was used for training purposes and to respond to life-threatening circumstances or violent protests.
- California law requires law enforcement agencies to report on the acquisition and use of weapons categorized as military equipment.
- The UC police systemwide director of community safety clarified during the meeting that the weapons were not meant for crowd control or peaceful protests but for situations where law enforcement deemed the use of force necessary to defend themselves or others.
