Letter to the Editor: Editorial on UCPD policy changes lacks context, information
By Stett Holbrook
May 27, 2021 8:23 p.m.
Dear editor:
I write in response to your May 14 editorial on policing and public safety at the University of California. I appreciate your coverage of this important issue and want to provide crucial context that the piece lacks.
The UC is indeed engaged in a review of systemwide policing and administrative policies, but they have not been adopted, contrary to what the editorial states. The proposed policy changes are undergoing the same process as other UC human-resources policies. The policies have been widely circulated among University stakeholders since February 5, 2021, while the policy manual they propose to modify has been publicly available here for several years.
The critical feedback from the University community we receive will inform the final policies. What’s more, this process will not preclude UC from making significant, long-term changes to campus public safety efforts already underway.
The editorial also claims that UC proposals reflect increased militarization as a direct response to calls for abolition. The truth: The proposed policy changes stem from requirements from previous UC task force recommendations and recent state legislative changes as well as periodic reviews to continually improve systemwide policies.
The University has been in continual dialogue with the UC community on how to reimagine policing across its campuses and medical centers. The University convened the two-part Campus Safety Symposium in February and March, featuring student panelists from UCLA as well as others, to continue exploring the community’s various perspectives and experiences, including those calling for the abolition of the UC police.
We believe the best way to create an environment where all feel safe is through ongoing discussions and broad input channeled into thoughtful action. The University will continue to strive for continual improvement as we incorporate best practices and community feedback into a forthcoming campus safety plan and policy review.
Best,
Stett Holbrook
Holbrook is the senior communications strategist and a media spokesperson for the University of California Office of the President.
