BY TIM MOLLOY, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Authorities in Santa Barbara County are considering security changes for Michael Jackson’s next court date after hundreds of fans surged into the street last week to watch the pop star dance atop his SUV after leaving his arraignment.
Police were frustrated by the strange scene along Miller Street in Santa Maria, a well-traveled, mostly residential street outside the courthouse in the small central California town, police Lt. Chris Vaughan said.
“The whole event could have been prevented if he’d just gotten in his van and driven away,” Vaughan said. “It was like a beckoning to come forward. We’re hoping he does not do that again.”
The mob scene occurred on Jan. 16 after Jackson pleaded innocent to child molestation charges and was scolded by the judge for arriving 20 minutes late for the hearing. Attorneys for Jackson said he had been delayed by the crowd.
The next pretrial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, but it was unclear whether Jackson would attend. A statement posted Friday on the fan Web site mjstar.com said supporters would be advised of future court dates so they can make plans to attend.
About 1,500 people converged on the courthouse for last week’s arraignment, including fans and news media from around the world. Barricades held back crowds and formed a long walkway that Jackson used to move between the street and the building.
Authorities from several law enforcement agencies handling security could meet next week to discuss possible moves that include changing the way Jackson enters the courthouse, Vaughan said.
“Obviously we’re going to do our best to extend the barricades a little further,” he said.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Chris Pappas said his agency considered the event a success because Jackson entered and exited safely, and no fans or members of the media were hurt.
Still, the department will work with other agencies to decide if changes are needed. “We’re flexible,” Pappas said.
Santa Maria police and the Sheriff’s Department are the main agencies handling courthouse security, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the FBI.
FBI spokeswoman Vickie Hampton-Franklin said the agency was involved because of the large number of people at the hearing. One concern is that terrorists could target high-profile events that draw big crowds.
“We are present for security reasons just as we are present for any other large gathering, such as the Rose Bowl,” she said. “You’re not focusing solely on terrorism, but that’s a part of it.”
Jackson also brought his own security to the arraignment, including members of the Nation of Islam.
Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville advised Jackson that while he was welcome at every hearing, he could choose not to attend some court dates.
District Attorney Thomas Sneddon said prosecutors might want Jackson at certain hearings and would make it known when they did.