Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the Cambridge, Mass., police sergeant who arrested him last July both missed opportunities to “ratchet down” the confrontation, according to a report released Wednesday by an independent panel.

“The committee believes that the incident was sparked by misunderstandings and failed communications between the two men,” said the report, titled “Missed Opportunities, Shared Responsibilities.”

The findings were issued by a 12-member group of law enforcement officials, community members and experts on race relations and conflict resolution. The panel was convened to review the July 16, 2009, incident and make recommendations to the Cambridge police department on issues of race and police authority.

Gates, a Harvard history professor, was arrested at his Cambridge home by a white police sergeant nearly a year ago. The officer, James Crowley, had gone to the house to investigate a 911 call about a possible burglary at the address.

The call to police came after someone spotted Gates and his driver trying to open a jammed front door to Gates’ home. A confrontation ensued between Gates and Crawley, and the professor was taken away in handcuffs.

The report said both men reacted out of fear.

Gates alleged that he had been a victim of racial profiling; Crawley said Gates was uncooperative and combative. The incident sparked a national debate about race, class and police authority, even drawing President Obama into the fray.

Charges against Gates were later dropped, and both men met with Obama at the White House over beers.

Read more at NYT.com.

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