Modesto Police Chief Discusses Large Protest Preparations and Arrests During City Meeting

The Community Police Review Board meeting held on July 16, 2025, in Modesto focused on the police department's response to recent protests and the strategies for managing public gatherings. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement during large protests, particularly in light of events that escalated in other cities.

Police Chief addressed the board, recounting the department's experiences during a significant protest in 2020, which required declaring an unlawful assembly and resulted in multiple arrests. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential unrest, noting that the recent protest in Modesto drew an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 participants, making it one of the largest in the city's history. The Chief stated that it would be irresponsible not to prepare for such events, given the potential for chaos observed in other cities.

The meeting also touched on the communication strategies employed during protests, including the use of public address systems to issue warnings in both English and Spanish. A suggestion was made to utilize Community Service Officers (CSOs) to engage with protesters directly, providing information about peaceful protest guidelines.

Additionally, a study presented during the meeting indicated that only 7% of protests tend to become violent, reinforcing the idea that most participants are there to express their views peacefully. The board discussed the importance of balancing public safety with the right to protest, acknowledging community concerns about property damage and safety.

The Chief responded to inquiries about the locations of arrests made during the protests, confirming that they occurred throughout the area, including Cresada Park and Tenth Street Plaza. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on how to improve police-community relations and ensure peaceful demonstrations in the future.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and community members regarding public safety, protest management, and the protection of civil rights.