Art Walk protest: Police panel orders review of clash

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Commission has requested the inspector general review the police department's report on a clash between officers and Occupy protesters at the downtown Art Walk last week.

The commission heard complaints on Tuesday from several protesters who allege police used excessive force to break up their chalk drawing demonstration last Thursday. Two officers were injured in the melee and 17 people were arrested.

Occupy L.A. participants filed a formal complaint against the department, saying officers used excessive force during the skirmish and that their rights were violated.

The Occupiers claim they were there to have fun and pass out flyers when police turned it into a riot. They say police pushed them with batons and caused injuries.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told the L.A. Times he believes the department "overall responded appropriately." But he added that they will look into whether the "hard-line enforcement" approach that police took was necessary.

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