Simi Valley Riot 1992 Summary

In April 29, 1992 civil unrest and riots occurred. When the Rodney King beating verdicts reached by Simi Valley jury, Simi Valley triggered civil unrest in cities across the United States. In south central Los Angeles, People began to protest the verdict immediately; protests began to grow in number, size, and anger. However, during the next six days, the reaction escalated to a terrifying reign of violence, looting, and property destruction. The first incident took place within an hour after the verdicts were announced, that was in the Hyde Park neighborhood of the 77th Street Police District. The intersection of Florence and Normandie was considered on of the “flash pint.” A lot of people were injured and killed. The intensity and the magnitude of the riots caught city officials by surprise and unprepared to deal with lawlessness and violence. As a result, more than 869 structures were burned and the property damage in …show more content…
Unprecedented demands were placed on the Los Angeles City Fire Department, because the Fire Department was forced to respond to the calls for assistance while confronted at times by hostile individuals and crowds armed with assorted weapons. The firefighters were severely hampered by the response time and level of escort support, which was the Los Angeles Police Department responsibility. As the Fire department personnel responding to fire emergencies, the police provided less protection from the rioters. In this situation, the protection of citizens and responding fire personnel became the primary issue. A major goal of the task force was to formulate a joint plan of action for firefighters and police officers to address civil unrest today. According to the City in Crisis, widespread tension between minority communities and the Los Angeles Police Department. African Americans especially the young males who felt mistreated, discriminated, and abused by