2003: Reaction to Hoe-Down Unprofessional - 5/5/2003
Police reaction to Hoe-Down unprofessional
By: Staff editorial
Posted: 5/5/03
The Hobart Hoe-Down erupted in a way never seen before by most UMass students.
The annual party on Hobart Lane drew about 1,500 students. According to a press release from the Amherst police department, several arrests were made but the crowd was cooperative and dispersed. Later in the evening, a crowd outside of Hobart Lane and Puffton Village began throwing bottles and cans at police officers.
From here the situation escalated.
Officers continued to be hit with bottles, cans, rocks and objects such as lawn chairs. Police cruisers were damaged, a fire was set on North Pleasant street and one vehicle was overturned by the crowd. There was a total of 45 arrests for charges such as disorderly conduct, inciting a riot and driving under the influence of alcohol. Fifteen police officers were injured in the fray.
It is clear from the events that unfolded that both the police and students were responsible in some fashion. Students have no right to destroy private property, throw rocks and bottles at cars or set things on fire. The police are bound to do whatever is necessary to keep the peace in situations like these.
The result however, was unnecessary and unprofessional.
Based on the allegations that are being made by eyewitnesses and students involved, the police acted with intense force. The police attacked students with pepper spray in an unorganized frenzy. In addition to this, unnecessary threats and expletives possibly instigated students to fight back even more (many of whom were intoxicated and were already exercising decreased levels of judgment).
Armed with guns, nightsticks and pepper spray, the police clearly had an advantage over the students. With this upper hand, the police should have exercised more restraint and professionalism in dealing with this matter. Instead, the police violently assaulted students both intoxicated and innocent, both sets who were obviously bewildered and confused by these actions. Innocent bystanders, who sought help and protection from the police were met with the same treatment as partygoers, and were arrested and cuffed like criminals. Many partygoers who had nothing to do with the destruction and were trying to get out of the area were beaten with nightsticks.
These actions by the police are completely unacceptable.
It was the responsibility of the police to keep the peace this weekend, not to incite further rioting and to physically assault citizens. Admittedly, the students forced the police into a tight situation, but years of training and tactics should have helped the police control the night differently.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this opinion.
Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Collegian Editorial Board.
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