Police Arrest 72 During Day of Protest NR11537an

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police arrested 72 individuals Thursday during a day of what can be described as mostly peaceful protests.

On November 17, 2011, the Los Angeles Police Department deployed resources in order to facilitate the peaceful demonstrations and march for the “Good Jobs LA” coalition in the downtown area.  The permitted event was scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. with a planned march on Grand Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.  The march proceeded as planned until the group reached the final rally point on Figueroa and 4th Street.  It was at that point that a group of demonstrators broke away from the main group and two individuals were arrested for interfering with a peace officer and failing to comply with lawful orders.  A short time later 21 additional demonstrators were arrested for unlawful assembly.  The arrests were affected with little resistance by the protesters.  Each of the 21 arrested were transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center and booked for remaining at an unlawful assembly and held on $5,000 bail.

Later in the day a second, non-permitted march began and in the civic center and proceeded southbound on Broadway toward 5th Street.  During the march two individuals were arrested for interfering with peace officers.  The march continued and the demonstrators returned back to 333 South Hope where the morning march began.  The demonstrators then marched onto private property and refused to leave when requested by the property management.  The property manager requested that private persons’ arrests be made for trespass.  As a result 47 individuals were arrested for trespass.

Chief Charlie Beck stated that he was impressed with the discipline and professionalism that his officers demonstrated throughout the day.  “My job is to protect the rights of all persons and to ensure that the public is safe at all times” Beck continued.  “It is always a fine line that we walk in our efforts to protect the First Amendment.”