UMass Authorities 'Underprepared and Overwhelmed' in Last March's 'Blarney Blowout' Mayhem
ByThe University of Massachusetts - Amherst was most at fault for the mayhem at the "Blarney Blowout" last March, according to a new report from Boston's former police commissioner.
The pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration saw dozens of arrests, which included some UMass students, and at least four officers injured. Edward Davis' 65-page report was drawn up to improve future response to the partying, but also suggested authorities were "underprepared," the Associated Press reported.
Though the "Blarney Blowout" partying got out of control in some instances, most of the riotous behavior reportedly came from people visiting the area. People were seen throwing bottles, rocks and balls of snow and ice at police officers, escalating the law enforcement response.
"We are in agreement on its major recommendations and are committed to moving forward together," John Musante, Amherst's town manager, said in a statement obtained by the AP.
UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said the "Blarney Blowout" is not UMass-sanctioned, but the school can deter student groups from promoting it.
"UMass Amherst and the town must jointly pursue community-wide strategies to deter high-risk drinking, improve social settings for students and adopt best practices in law enforcement," he said.
Davis told the AP exposing the school's responsibility in the law enforcement response was only a byproduct of his report. His true intention is to make sure it does not happen again next March.
"During this event, there was a clear lack of coordination, communication and collaboration among and between law enforcement agencies, UMass Amherst and the Town of Amherst," read the report. "The police response, including the donning of riot helmets and the use of chemical munitions, had the effect of creating confusion and perpetuating the unruly behavior of the crowds."