Law Enforcement

$50,000 reward in Reseda Boulevard double hit-and-run
A $50,000 reward has been extended for a second time as police look for a two drivers who hit a pedestrian in Reseda and then fled, authorities said Wednesday. The collision occurred on Dec. 2 at about 12:15 a.m. A dark gray sports utility vehicle was going north on Reseda Boulevard when it hit the pedestrian going east on Reseda, south of Bessemer Street, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
City News Service

Los Angeles Police Department showcases future Ford police interceptors at IACP
At the upcoming International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, Pa., the Los Angeles Police Department will showcase both their state-of-the-art Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility. These vehicles represent the future of police vehicle interiors and will feature the new Havis Integrated Control System. From Oct. 20-22, conference attendees can visit the LAPD/National Safety Agency (NSA) booth (#101) for an in-depth look at the latest prototype of the Havis Integrated Control System.
Havis Press Release

Police: LAX worker was curious about whether he could make a bomb
A former ramp supervisor suspected of leaving dry ice bombs to explode at Los Angeles International Airport told police he didn't intend to harm anyone but "was curious" about whether he could make a bomb that would go off, police said Wednesday. Dicarlo Bennett, 28, of Paramount was booked into jail on suspicion of possession of an explosive device in public. He was held on $1 million bail.
Los Angeles Daily News

Two to stand trial in kidnapping, sexual assault of Northridge girl
A judge Wednesday ordered two men accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old Northridge girl from her home this year to stand trial, authorities said. One of the men, Tobias Dustin Summers, faces about three dozen counts, including sexual assault. Investigators said Summers, 32, broke into the girl's house in what may have started out as a burglary the night of March 27, then used a knife to abduct her. She was found about 12 hours later, battered and barefoot, in a parking lot several miles away.
Los Angeles Times

6th Annual Randy Simmons 5k Challenge preview
Randy Simmons was the first LAPD SWAT officer killed in the line of duty. His legacy is remembered with this annual event which benefits an outreach foundation in his name. LAPD Metro Division presents 6th Annual Randy Simmons 5k Challenge Run Crossfit and Bike Ride Saturday, October 19, 8am, Los Angeles Police Academy 1880 N. Academy Road Los Angeles, CA 90012.
KTLA

South Los Angeles community recognized with $20,000 national safety award
Community development leaders along with the Los Angeles Police Department are being recognized with a national MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award for greatly improving the safety and vitality of South LA's Vernon Central neighborhood. WHAT: Vernon Central Celebrates National Community Safety Award WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. WHERE: The Dunbar Hotel, 4225 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90011
LISC Press Release

Prisons

Prisoners' lawyers challenge care for California's condemned
Testimony continued Wednesday in a federal court case on California's treatment of mentally ill prisoners. Dr. Pablo Stewart, a psychiatrist, testified about the care that California's condemned prisoners receive, telling of a psychotic inmate who tried to kill himself three times - even punching pens through his eyes. The man was kept on death row rather than hospitalized, Stewart said, because he signed an agreement to take his drugs and attend therapy sessions. A fourth suicide attempt soon succeeded.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

L.A. council could file action challenging ride-sharing companies
The Los Angeles City Council is weighing a challenge to the app-driven ride-sharing companies that have been offering an alternative to driving or hailing taxicabs. Councilman Paul Koretz is pushing for his colleagues to appeal a recent decision by the Public Utilities Commission allowing companies such as Lyft and SideCar to operate with regulation at the statewide level. The council is set to meet Friday behind closed doors to discuss the idea with city lawyers.
Los Angeles Times

L.A. transportation employees have 'lost confidence' in top manager
More than 250 Los Angeles city transportation employees packed the City Council chambers Wednesday to complain about management practices they said have left the department's morale at "an all-time low." Since general manager Jaime de la Vega was hired in 2011, high-ranking supervisors said, he has reshuffled senior staff, left key positions vacant and ignored the concerns of employees, adding to the department's workload and stress levels.
Los Angeles Times

L.A. leaders call for panel to find ways to boost voter turnout
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Council President Herb Wesson called Wednesday for the creation of a citizen panel to look for ways of boosting the city's anemic voter turnout, months after fewer than one-fourth of the electorate took part in the mayoral election. The proposed Municipal Elections Reform Commission would explore such ideas as changing the date of city elections, offering same-day voter registration, making absentee ballots more readily accessible and conducting special elections that are vote by mail only.
Los Angeles Times