Law Enforcement

LAPD, LAFD heroes celebrated in the west San Fernando Valley
Cops who'd rushed into burning buildings, firefighters who'd plucked residents from smoking balconies and Los Angeles public safety officers who'd excelled at keeping the San Fernando Valley safe. These were among the 13 E Awards for Excellence in Public Safety given during a decades-old banquet Thursday to honor L.A.'s best officers in blue and black.
Los Angeles Daily News

Barricaded suspect in Panorama City surrenders
A parolee at large wanted for assaulting a police officer was taken into custody Thursday night after holing up inside his Panorama City residence for more than four hours. The man barricaded himself about 3:30 p.m. in the 8800 block of Murrieta Avenue, near Parthenia Street, prompting a SWAT team to surround the home, according to Sgt. Francisca Wheeling of the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Station.
City News Service

Missing woman last seen in Chatsworth found safe
A 35-year-old woman who was reported missing by her family and last seen in Chatsworth on Sunday was safely located on Wednesday, police said. Abha Mediratta Thakker has "been located and she's safe," said Los Angeles Police Department Detective C. Carlton of the Missing Persons Unit. "She's not harmed. There was no criminal activity. She's safe and she spoke to us on the phone."
Los Angeles Daily News

Ex-Pierce College student with guns in Northridge home is arrested after Facebook threats
A former Pierce College student was arrested Thursday after allegedly posting threatening photos of guns on his Facebook page and warning students not to come to the campus that day, a sheriff's captain said. The 26-year-old Northridge man was taken into custody before noon at his workplace after the campus had been evacuated and closed to students around 8 a.m. as a result of the implicit threat, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Cheryl Newman-Tarwater of the department's Community College Bureau.
Los Angeles Daily News

LAPD disciplinary panel says controversial officer should be fired
A Los Angeles Police Department disciplinary panel has recommended the firing of a veteran detective for allegedly making racially charged comments during a training lecture given to other officers. An attorney representing Frank Lyga said the 28-year department veteran had apologized to the board of rights for most of his controversial remarks and was deeply disappointed with the decision. Ira Salzman said the board announced its decision Wednesday afternoon.
Los Angeles Times

Rising crime rate rattles residents
Members of the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI joined with community members Saturday for a faith-based community impact initiative and clean up in South Los Angeles. "We're looking to further law enforcement objectives by getting residents and churches more involved in quality of life issues like graffiti removal and cleaning up the neighborhoods," said Capt. Paul Snell, Southwest Area commanding officer for the LAPD.
Los Angeles Wave

Police seek hit-and-run driver that injured 8-year-old boy
Los Angeles police asked for public help Wednesday finding the hit-and-run driver who struck an 8-year-old boy. The boy was struck by a white pickup around 8 p.m. Oct. 8 on Orchard Avenue north of Washington Boulevard. The pickup was then driven south on Orchard away from the scene. The truck had a "flare side bed," officials said.
My News LA

FBI director calls 'dark' devices a hindrance to crime solving
The director of the FBI, James B. Comey, said on Thursday that the "post-Snowden pendulum" that has driven Apple and Google to offer fully encrypted cellphones had "gone too far." He hinted that as a result, the administration might seek regulations and laws forcing companies to create a way for the government to unlock the photos, emails and contacts stored on the phones.
New York Times

FBI warns industry of Chinese cyber campaign
The FBI on Wednesday issued a private warning to industry that a group of highly skilled Chinese government hackers was in the midst of a long-running campaign to steal valuable data from U.S. companies and government agencies. The U.S. government has publicly called on the Chinese government to halt its widespread cybertheft of corporate secrets, but Beijing has denied such activities.
Washington Post