UCLA Police Chief John Thomas ousted after Gaza protests

In the United States, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas's tenure with the UCLA Police Department came to an end on December 10, 2024. His departure follows a period of significant scrutiny regarding the police department's response to protests related to the ongoing war in Gaza. These protests, which took place on campus and drew significant attention, involved conflict between counter protesters and those demonstrating against the war, leading to hundreds of arrests. The university conducted an investigation into the police's security protocols during these events, ultimately resulting in Thomas being 'reassigned' in May 2024 after these tumultuous incidents. Thomas's reassignment and subsequent departure have prompted discussions regarding police accountability and the effectiveness of campus law enforcement during large-scale protests. Criticism was directed towards his leadership in managing the protests—specifically, how the UCLA Police and other local law enforcement agencies handled the clashes and dismantled encampments set up by demonstrators. This criticism has highlighted broader issues of safety and security on university campuses, especially during politically charged events. Prior to his role at UCLA, Thomas served as a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department and was the executive director of the University of Southern California's Department of Public Safety from 2013 to 2022. His appointment as UCLA Police Chief in January 2023 was seen as a move to strengthen campus safety, but the subsequent challenges he faced have raised questions about his ability to lead effectively through crises. The university’s ongoing commitment to reviewing and improving campus safety has led to the creation of a new office dedicated to overseeing these matters in response to the unrest that occurred. With the departure of John Thomas, Captain Scott Scheffler has been appointed as interim police chief while the university seeks a permanent replacement. This transition period comes at a crucial time as UCLA navigates its approach to campus safety and seeks to address community concerns over law enforcement’s behavior during protests. This situation signifies a pivotal moment for UCLA, highlighting the necessity of accountability and transparency in policing, especially in the delicate context of political demonstrations on campus.