from Bill Murray, LACP

July 11, 2009

Los Angeles:   At 12 noon on Saturday, July 11, the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Hollenbeck Area Community Police Station officially became operational at its new location .. and Los Angeles Community Policing was there!

I was joined by LACP photojournalist, Martha Benedict, who has prepared a presentation (see below) which includes many pictures she was able to take when we were invited back to attend the first roll call, at 5:00 pm Saturday.

LAPD's 1st Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, the Department's second in command, and Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz, who leads Central Bureau, (both warm friends of Los Angeles Community Policing) were unbelievably gracious to us, as they joined Hollenbeck's commanding officer, Captain Anita Ortega and patrol captain, Captain Paul Hernandez, to address the officers at the first roll call in the new facility.

Later we were treated to a red carpet personal tour of all the stations facilities. Ms. Benedict was given carte blanche to take any and all the pictures she wanted. There's no doubt we saw things few community members will ever get to see .. but we have the photos for you!

The result was a terrific representation of the day's activities, and a revealing look behind the scenes at Hollenbeck Division.

To see Martha's unbelievably exclusive pictures just click here: Hollenbeck Station Opens (clicking on the thumbnails enlarges the pictures) !!!!

As you scroll through the photos you'll be taken on your own tour of the new station, which we were told has well over 50,000 sq feet of floor space. Also on the grounds are a significant free-standing parking structure and a massive communications tower. Throughout the site, inside and out, the work seems first class. Even the landscaping impressed us.

The exteriors feature pleasing modern glasswork. Chief McDonnell, who'd once served at Hollenbeck himself, pointed out to the officers that the window shapes suggest a similarity to a Memorial Wall now being included as part of the new Administration Building (opposite City Hall and expected to open, replacing Parker Center, this fall). The new station features numerous windows and skylights that allow natural light to filter into the interior, creating an airy and open atmosphere inside. Clever lighting fixtures direct light to the ceiling, so there is no harsh glare anywhere, enhancing the bright, relaxed atmosphere.
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The partially green building is the latest in a series of new buildings and repairs to the Police and Fire Departments in Los Angeles. Chief Diaz pointed out that the community had agreed to pay for these much needed City-wide upgrades by self-taxing itself, approving Prop "Q" many years back. He asked the officers at the first roll call to accept this new edifice as a "gift" from the residents .. a gift to the Area from those whom LAPD is sworn to protect and serve.

Captain Ortega, the area's commanding officer, had her gathered troops tune their radios to the tactical channel which, just after 5:00 pm, announced to the entire Department that the first Hollenbeck roll call from the new station was underway. Captain Ortega has only recently returned to Hollenbeck, where a few years ago she'd served as the patrol captain.

Captain Hernandez, who does that job now, also briefly addressed the watch, and reiterated the sense of pride to which each of the previous commanding officers had referred. The Hollenbeck service area is one of the most sought after assignments at LAPD, and there is a long list of officers who'd like to be assigned or re-assigned there. Many of the over 300 sworn personnel have strong ties to the community, and the warm relationship between local residents and officers is well known.

Mementoes were handed out and presentations made, including a couple of pictorial histories by recenlty retired Senior Lead Officer Ruben Rodriguez, now a professional photographer. These will grace the lobby and hallways of the new facility. And, after the roll call, where a few family and off duty officers had also gathered (Martha and I representing the community), everyone was asked to gather on the steps of the new station for a "first watch" picture. Then a little food was served, donated by Hollenbeck's probationary officers.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was unexpected, when Chiefs McDonnell and Diaz, and Captains Ortega and Hernandez invited us to accompany them on a private guided tour of the entire facility. We all peeked at EVERYthing, asking questions as we went, and I'm sure Martha and I saw things few community members will ever experience.

We visited all areas of the station, public and private, and were allowed to photograph without restriction. We saw the front desk, community rooms, CRO and SLO offices, watch commanders and communication areas, lock-ups, kit rooms, roll call room, detective areas, commanding officer suite, locker rooms, weight lifting / training rooms, computer equipment / wide screen displays (several areas), cafeterias and common areas .. we even met the vice officers in their offices.

As if that wasn't enough, we all went up to the roof to take advantage of the sweeping surrounding views of the mountains to the north, downtown to the west and the distinct rooftops and architecture of Boyle Heights from a unique perspective one seldom sees.

All in all, it was quite a day!

The address of the new facility is: 2111 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (Map Here)

The new phone number, also effective since July 11, is: (323) 342-4100

Also at noon on Saturday, July 11, the Hollenbeck Station's previous location at 1936 E. First Street was permanently closed.  Phone calls and visits to the station on Saturday, July 11, were directed to the old location before 12 p.m. and the new location after 12 p.m.

A formal grand opening event at the new Hollenbeck Station will reportedly be on September 19th. So stay tuned ..