Law Enforcement

LAPD Fallen Officers Memorial Garden and Mural
Van Nuys Community Police Station will hosted an``Officer Appreciation Day,'' unveiling its recent station beautification, which includes a mural and the restoration of the Van Nuys Fallen Officers Memorial Garden.
Los Angeles Daily News

Operation Progress Helps Students Succees In Watts
Operation Progress pairs students in Watts with LAPD mentors. The students are then placed in schools with 100 percent high school graduation rates. "Vern Day High School and St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood graduate 100 percent of kids. Compare that with Nickerson Gardens, which is 10 percent," said Theresa Gartland, the executive director of Operation Progress. Gartland said the program was created by an Los Angeles police officer who was frustrated that kids in Watts didn't have enough opportunities.
ABC 7

LAPD Among Largest Winners in Federal Body Camera Grant
The Los Angeles Police Department was awarded $1 million in federal funds Monday to help buy more body cameras, part of about $20 million being distributed to dozens of agencies across the country to help spread the technology. The money from the U.S. Department of Justice will cover about 700 body cameras for the LAPD, a police spokesman said.
Government Technology

LAPD chief faults second officer in 'horrific' arrest caught on tape
In October, a Los Angeles police officer was caught on video kicking and hitting a man as he lay face-down on a South L.A. sidewalk. Officer Richard Garcia's actions immediately drew concerns from police officials — one called the footage "horrific" — and prompted prosecutors to take the rare step of charging the officer with assault. But a report made public Tuesday shows LAPD Chief Charlie Beck has also faulted the actions of other officers involved in Clinton Alford's arrest, including a second officer who the chief said used unreasonable force when he kicked Alford and stood on his feet.
Los Angeles Times

Have you seen these Canoga Park package thieves?
Police asked for the public's help Tuesday in identifying suspects stealing packages from San Fernando Valley homes. There have been several thefts this year, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. The latest theft occurred around noon on Aug. 21, according to the department. The driver of a white Acura with a license plate of 5***721 drove into the driveway of a home in the 7600 block of Gazette Avenue in Canoga Park.
Los Angeles Daily News

Criminal Charges Filed Against Drone Operator After Close Call With LAPD Helicopter
Criminal charges have been filed against a 57-year-old man for a close encounter between a drone and an LAPD helicopter last month. Martin Sheldon was charged with two counts of obstructing a peace officer in the lawful performance of his duties. On Aug. 27, police in a helicopter were conducting a suspect search near Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue when a drone was seen flying into the helicopter's orbit. Authorities say the drone swooped in within 50 feet of the helicopter, forcing officers to take evasive action. "Using a drone to interfere with a police investigation places our officers and the public at serious risk," said City Attorney Mike Feuer in a news release.
ABC 7

After Fire, LAPD's Elite Robbery-Homicide Division Investigating UCLA Student's Death
LAPD detectives were handing out fliers in Westwood Tuesday, asking for help with a homicide investigation into the death of a woman found inside a burning apartment the previous morning. The victim, believed to be a UCLA student, was discovered shortly after firefighters responded to a two-story apartment building popular with students in the sorority Pi Beta Phi. Smoke was pouring from the structure, and the woman's body was found inside.
KTLA 5

Two LAPD Officers, Two Suspects Hospitalized After Pursuit Ends In South LA
Two Los Angeles Police Department officers were hospitalized on Wednesday for treatment of injuries sustained in a pursuit that ended in South Los Angeles. Just after 1 a.m., officers were chasing a possible stolen car when the collision occurred at South Main and East 98th streets, according to the LAPD.
CBS Los Angeles

Why a 5-year old bought ice cream for police, and other pro-police acts
On Friday Isabella Gregory, age 5, used her allowance to buy ice cream for seven officers at a McDonald's in Radcliff, Ky., because she knew from a massive outpouring of public support that the police had just come from the funeral of a fallen officer. Kentucky State Police trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder was shot to death during a traffic stop.
Christian Science Monitor

City Government

L.A. city workers throw their support behind proposed contract
Members of a coalition of unions that represent more than 20,000 Los Angeles city employees announced Tuesday that they had overwhelmingly voted to back a proposed contract with the city. Union officials said they had boosted pay, foisted off several key concessions sought by the city and secured a commitment to hire thousands of workers to help restore city services battered during the downturn. As a result of that hiring, “the services that the residents of this city expect to get will start to be provided at the level that they deserve,” said Bob Schoonover, president of Service Employees International Union Local 721.
Los Angeles Times

Homelessness

Los Angeles declares 'state of emergency' on homelessness
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday declared a state of emergency on homelessness, calling for $100 million to help address the growing crisis. The move, which was reported in a statement from the office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, was announced the same day the mayor unveiled his plans for moving people off the streets. "We all understand the urgency that this situation requires, and what is at stake," Garcetti said. "I applaud the Los Angeles City Council for their action today in earmarking a necessary initial investment that helps launch my comprehensive plan to tackle homelessness."
CNN.com