DAVIS, Calif. (MCT) — The University of California Davis campus police chief was placed on administrative leave Monday as the school’s chancellor called for the Yolo County district attorney to review the use of force in the pepper spraying of protesting students.
The decision to place Chief Annette Spicuzza on leave was necessary to allow a review of events and help calm the campus, the university said.
The action also came as national attention is focusing on the police response to what appeared to be a peaceful protest. NBC’s “Today” show and other programs did segments on the pepper-spraying incident, including broadcasting video that showed a UC Davis police officer spraying a line of students who were seated and providing no active resistance.
“As I have gathered more information about the events that took place on the quad on Friday, it has become clear to me that this is a necessary step toward restoring trust on our campus,” said Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.
