A Cop Show Not Ready for Prime Time

On cue, 15 TV cameras rolled as 14 cops wearing fatigues took their places in the middle of an abandoned Navy site in San Pedro and did their best to look like protesters. From up the road came seven police cruisers, sirens blaring.

“Let’s have a riot!” declared the scene’s director, Los Angeles Police Department Cmdr. David J. Kalish.

With that, the 14 cop-actors portrayed the most docile street demonstrators in memory, obeying every order of the officers who poured out of the cars. After half an hour--and four takes for the cameras--the show was over.

Billed as a live street demonstration of the LAPD’s readiness in advance of the Aug. 14-17 convention, Monday’s event before assembled media was as scripted as any sitcom taping in Studio City. Rather than a show of force, a two-act play evolved with just enough officers, 38, and squad cars, seven, to fill up the frame.

“Truly, what you saw today is a bit cleaned up,” Kalish said. “But it gives you some footage to use as the convention gets closer.”

Police officials have traveled to videotape demonstrations in Seattle and Washington, D.C., to show the potential mayhem that could occur during the convention. And Monday’s media event took place days after the department convinced City Council members to overturn a decision to allow protesters to use Pershing Square as a gathering spot.

Although the LAPD has taken pains to emphasize its readiness, Monday’s gathering was more trailer than dress rehearsal. It incorporated almost none of the challenges police will face next month from the expected 10,000 to 50,000 demonstrators, including environmentalists, unionists and anarchists.

The site of the show, homes that once housed Navy families, seemed more appropriate as a movie set than as a stand-in for the jewelry stores and office towers of downtown L.A. Each of two drills was performed twice so that TV cameras could find the best angles.

“How long will the demonstration go?” asked two cameramen.

“Just as long as you need it to,” replied Kalish. “How much tape have you got?”

On camera, sergeants donned sunglasses and affected their most serious faces.

“We are ready to take a stand,” said Sgt. Jim Bilodeau.

In contrast to their willingness to pretend to arrest demonstrators, however, he and other officers were decidedly guarded about specifics. The number of officers detailed to the convention? The equipment they will use? “That is classified,” said Lt. Horace Frank, smiling.

With cameras off, the cops chuckled at the odd scene and struck a low-key tone, emphasizing the need for experienced officers on the front line who will be cautious with demonstrators.

“Most of the squad leaders are putting together groups of officers with a lot of experience,” said Sgt. Andre Belotto of the 18-member squad in the Newton Division’s mobile field force.

Most officers said they expect demonstrators to be peaceful. And Monday’s demonstration did not include violence, real or staged. In one drill, about two dozen officers with batons ordered protesters to “get back.” They quietly complied.

In the other, police rescued a “victim” played by freelance TV producer Greg Rangel, who had his belt, shoes and Angels cap removed by an unruly crowd. A police spokesman said this scene was loosely inspired by the attack on Reginald Denny. In Denny’s case, it took civilians to pull him from an angry mob; this time, police did the job.

“But this was fun,” said Rangel, whose footage may be on “America’s Most Wanted.” “A fun show.”