Police Will Discuss Mehserle Sentencing Response
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Police agencies throughout the San Francisco Bay area this week discuss communication breakdowns and logistical problems that hindered Oakland's response to unrest after this month's Johannes Mehserle verdict.
Protests after white former BART police officer was convicted on July 8 of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Oscar Grant, who was black, led to looting, vandalism and fires.
The melee brought in 15 police agencies to help the Oakland department. But Oakland Deputy Chief Eric Breshears says it also brought unprecedented logistical challenges dealing with 900 officers.
The agencies meet this week to discuss handling of unrest that may follow the Nov. 5 sentencing of the former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer.