"The issue that the students raise is a realone and that's been with us off and on for anumber of years," said Vice President and GeneralCounsel Daniel Steiner '54, who oversees thepolice department. Steiner said Johnson isinvestigating each of the incidents listed in theflyer.

"When Chief Johnson explains the facts, I thinkthere may be better understanding on the part ofthe students as to what happened," Steiner said."That doesn't necessarily mean everything was donein the most professional way."

But Steiner said that although there may havebeen shortcomings in professionalism, "The policeacted with reason."

Steiner said that as the issue of racialinsensitivity has surfaced in past years, meetingshave been held which have improved theunderstanding of both students and police. Steinersaid that a similar prescription may ease tensionsthis year.

"We hope to start some processes which can leadto better understanding on both sides and betterperformance by the police," he said.

Steiner said that next week, the Black StudentsAssociation, Johnson and Assistant Dean ofMinority Affairs and Race Relations HildaHernandez-Gravelle will meet.

"There is a tough problem of bringing togetherthe police perspective and problems and thestudents' perspective and problems," Steiner said.

"It's our job on an ongoing basis to bringtogether and bring greater understanding betweenthe police and the problems they face and thestudents and their highly understandable desire tobe treated as full members of the community," hesaid.

Steiner said he was troubled by the recentracial tensions.

"It's trying in the sense that I care verydeeply about these issues, and I care very deeplyabout Harvard and this community," he said. "Idon't like to see what's happening now happen, andI think we all have to work very hard to bringthis community back together.