For nearly a year, the UCLA Police Department has held onto the cellphones of 40 students arrested during protests about the war in Gaza. These students faced significant challenges without their phones. Some lost jobs because employers couldn’t reach them, while others struggled to keep in touch with family or complete school assignments. A student journalist even found it hard to report for the Daily Bruin without her device.
On Monday, the UCLA Police announced that they would return the phones. Acting Police Chief Scott Scheffler explained that this decision followed the Los Angeles City Attorney’s announcement that most of the students arrested during protests in April and May 2024 would not face charges. Scheffler confirmed that the phones are no longer being held as evidence and that students can make appointments to retrieve them.
However, students must act quickly. They will have just two weeks from the date they receive notification to collect their phones before they are destroyed. This timeline has raised concerns, particularly for students who no longer live in Los Angeles. One attorney has requested that a representative be allowed to collect the phones on behalf of those students.
To retrieve their phones, students will need to provide identification and proof of ownership. If someone else is picking up a phone, a notarized letter will also be required. The UCLA Police Department has over 3,000 items in its property and evidence storage, typically holding items until a case is resolved.
The issue of the phones began after a series of arrests during protests last year. Although the police had a search warrant alleging the phones were connected to a felony, no criminal charges were filed against the students. An attorney involved in the case expressed frustration over the lengthy process to retrieve the devices, noting that it is unusual for law enforcement to hold onto property for such an extended period without charges.
Despite the police department’s recent decision, the process of reclaiming the phones remains complicated for many students. They are eager to regain access to their devices, which are essential for communication and daily life.