There could be more university officials on the streets if a civil disturbance takes place in East Lansing during this year's Final Four tournament.

An independent commission that convened to investigate the April 2-3 disturbances recommends members of MSU's administration be on hand to observe the actions of students as well as police officers, if a similar situation should occur in the future.

"If there were other witnesses — not in anybody's camp — there is fairness and accuracy of description," said Beth Alexander, an independent commission member and the university physician.

Alexander said the idea grew out of the commission's concern that differing accounts about actions taken during the disturbances from both police and students could not be independently verified.

"There was a discrepancy of viewpoints of what happened," Alexander said.

East Lansing police Chief Tom Wibert said more bodies on the streets mean more safety concerns, which is why he would want a dedicated group of observers who could meet officers ahead of time.

"We wouldn't want people to just show up and say, 'We're here to observe,'" Wibert said.

It would be important for observers to be able to pass through police lines, he said, so they would have to be in constant communication with police.

Alexander said having more observers present would provide a neutral perspective on any actions, from both sides, that take place during any future disturbances.

"It allows us to learn what we are doing well and what we are not doing so well," she said.

Lee June, MSU's vice president for student affairs and services, said his department's staff members plan on being out on the streets should something happen again this year.

June and other administrators were outside during April's disturbances and said the experience revealed a lack of communication between police and students.

"We did not communicate the rules of engagement," June said.

He said the first step is for the university and city to establish a clear message of what the rules are and what type of activity could lead to people getting arrested.

During past disturbances, June said he has been in similar situations to April 2-3 and has run into students he knows. When that happens, June said he talks to them about the possible consequences of their actions.

"If they are indeed on the street, we tell them not to violate rules that could get them into trouble," June said.

Wibert said the police force endorses the recommendation because it will allow for a greater understanding of the situation if it occurs.

"It's a good idea because we've been working towards the same end for a long time," Wibert said. "If (MSU officials) had firsthand knowledge of what happens out on the street, then we can talk about it later and all have the same perspective."