Doug Tripp, director of the Department of Public Safety, issued a statement through a University spokesperson about the allegations of DPS using excessive force by several witnesses at the Pacifica Forum’s meeting Friday in Esslinger Hall, where several stink bombs were set off by protesters belonging to an anarchist group.
University spokesperson Julie Brown confirmed that the next Forum meeting will take place Friday in Agate Hall.
“The Department of Public Safety focuses its efforts on community engagement and problem-solving rather than enforcement,” Tripp said in his statement. “When engaging criminal behavior, there are occasions when campus officers may be required to physically control individuals to gain cooperation or compliance to a lawful order.
“The professionalism and training of UO DPS were important when a serious disruption took place at (the) meeting,” Tripp’s statement continued. “The situation was quickly resolved, injuries were avoided and appropriate citations were issued to several non-students … This training is provided to ensure that our officers are prepared to respond appropriately yet
effectively to threats againstthe community.”
Tripp ended his statement commenting that future DPS presence at Pacifica Forum meetings will continue to be determined by DPS and the University administration.
DPS issued citations to five protesters who set off the stink bombs, and one protester went to jail on an outstanding theft warrant.
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