Articles in the forum - 2005 - ... LA Community Policing

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Forum Articles - 2005
LA Community Policing
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Below you'll find the many "Main Articles" from the
LACP website this year, listed by the month
they appeared with a brief description of what's
inside. Scroll down to find them.

Click here for other year's articles:
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020


...Departments:
ASKBILL:		An LACP community member suggested we put a new column on the LACP website where our readers can "Ask Bill" a question. We thought this was a great idea ... and we'll answer as many as we can.
LACP now has SPONSORS !!!		LACP encourages you to consider supporting our new sponsors, the first we've ever had. These are businesses that have expressed a desire and a willingness to support LACP and our work. We'll add to this list as time goes on, assuring you of the finest quality control in the products and services offered on the site.
LACP Press Release - Jan, 2003		- former film and television editor, Bill Murray, admits that running the nine-month-old LACP website has taken over his life - a tremendous amount of time goes into the effort, now a nonprofit (not yet funded)
Police Commission honors LA Community Policing		- the LA Police Commission honored Los Angeles Community Policing (LACP.org) on October 29, 2002, by awarding its founder, Bill Murray, with a Certificate of Appreciation
Your Comments		- recent comments and criticisms from the LACP "stakeholders" - community members, LAPD officers and City officials
The Think Tank		- a list of articles from Dr. Arthur Jones and Dr. Robin Weisman, consultants and authors on international policing, social policy and human rights
In support of more LAPD officers / Public Safety		- LACP participated in an attempt to ask the community if it would be willing to self-tax for the sake of a significant increase in officer strength at LAPD, and other enhancements for Public Safety

...Main Articles 2005:
Police Harrasment - a cop confesses	Dec	- Police Harassment - a cop confesses -.Recently, a California website ran (not ours) an e-mail forum (a question and answer exchange) where the topic was "Policing the Community." One of the civilian email participants posed the following question: "I would like to know how it is possible for police officers to continually harass people and get away with it?" From the "other side" (the law enforcement side) a cool cop with a sense of humor replied. Don't miss it !!!
Cameras on cop cars would be invaluable	Dec	- by Sunil Dutta - Although a plan to put video cameras in all LAPD patrol cars would cost an estimated $25 million, it would be worth every penny. The returns would be incalculable in reduced city liability, transparency, enhanced police-community relations and a great boost in morale for officers. That, in turn, would lead to higher productivity, fewer complaints and a better working environment. Those who call the idea expensive are missing the forest for the trees. EDITOR'S NOTE: LACP has long advocated video technology being used on LAPD's patrol vehicles, and has spoken on several occasions about this to the Police Commission. We're happy to post this article by LAPD Sergeant Sunil Dutta. It first appeared in the Daily News on December 13, 2005.
Firefighters Unmask Santa	Dec	- by Brian Humphrey, LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic -.When members of the LA Fire Department answer the doorbell at a Neighborhood Fire Station, they can never be certain what they'll encounter.Many times it is someone with an urgent medical need or reporting a fire. Just as often this time of year, it is a person asking for directions or graciously donating a gift to the Spark of Love Holiday Toy Program. And so it was late last week - almost magically - that the doorbell rang at Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. Interrupting a kitchen table conversation about holiday toy demand exceeding donations, the dialogue paused as a pair of Firefighters scrambled for the door of the Cole Ave firehouse.
Utah Says No Thanks to Military Disaster Aid	Nov	- by Jacques Billeaud - States should continue to rely on their local authorities and National Guard troops to respond to disasters, rather than have the active military take a greater role in the aftermath of such emergencies, three Western governors said Tuesday. President Bush has suggested a greater role for the military in responding to disasters, saying in September that the military's training, command structure and resources put it in a position to lead recovery efforts. The governors of Arizona, Montana and Utah said it makes more sense for disaster response efforts to be coordinated by local authorities and National Guard units, because they have expertise in confronting those types of emergencies.
Militarizing the Homeland and Privatizing Anti-Terrorism	Nov	- by Dr. Arthur Jones and Dr. Robin Wiseman - There is a deep and widening gulf between the U.S. and Europe in fighting terrorism. Europe practices a composite police and prevention response, featuring international police cooperation, terrorist cell identification, cross-border sweeps, new interoperable communications systems, real time computer tracking/locating/mapping, intelligence gathering, information sharing, and advanced multidisciplinary police training. Neither soldiers nor private security guards are trained for those tasks, but the public police forces of the 21st Century increasingly are being educated to achieve precisely those goals and more.
I Wish You Could Know	Nov	- from a paramedic -- EDITOR'S NOTE: This was sent to me by a friend, an emergency room nurse, who'd been given it by a paramedic. -- I wish you could know what it is like to search a burning bedroom for trapped children at 3 AM, flames rolling above your head, your palms and knees burning as you crawl, the floor sagging under your weight as the kitchen below you burns. I wish you could comprehend a wife's horror at 6 in the morning as I check her husband of 40 years for a pulse and find none. I start CPR anyway, hoping to bring him back, knowing intuitively it is too late. But wanting his wife and family to know everything possible was done to try to save his life. I wish you could know ... Read more here ...
Community Policing, LACP and the LAPD	Oct	- letter from Everett Littlefield, LACP Board of Directors -- Dear Bill, Checked out LACP and many "kudos to you" for changing the front page. It gives a more thorough meaning of the word "policing" and better represents the mission of LACP. This give a much needed expansion of the meaning of "policing" than it had before, because it appeared to be only about the LAPD and the suppression of crime. I have always thought that community policing meant not only the suppression of crime, but the intervention and prevention of it as well. Your mission statement implies this, but it could be spelled out more clearly with references to some of those groups who are involved in these activities. Did you see the Jack Dunphy article in the Times? ... One of the criticisms of LACP that I have gotten from other persons is that the site gives the appearance of supporting the LAPD brass and the political bureaucrats more so than the LAPD line officers and the public as well ...
Police Department heats up recruiting campaign	Oct	- by Dan Laidman, LA Daily News -- Facing fierce competition for recruits, LAPD officials told a City Council panel Wednesday that they will step up their efforts with advertising in new venues like digital and ethnic media, movie trailers and aerial banners. The city's $2 million budget for police recruiting will include a campaign with an Internet presence, billboard ads, and advertisements in media as varied as church publications and gay and lesbian newspapers. Officials hope the effort will turn up the type of qualified and diverse candidates who have been difficult to find as the LAPD seeks to expand, said William Scott DeYoung of the Personnel Department.
Megan's Law Website now in 12 languages	Oct	- California's online sex offender registry and database is now searchable in 12 languages: English, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. A drop-down menu that allows visitors to select the language of their choice is located on the site's welcome page. Information provided about sex offenders required to register includes gender, race, description and crime. Names, aliases and county where last registered will be provided only in English. Information about how to protect yourself or family members also has been translated on the website, as has a summary of the law.
Operation Pothole - a call for community help	Oct	- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, along with members of the Department of Public Works' Board and Bureau of Street Services, have initiated a 14-week weekend campaign to fill 35,000 potholes throughout the City. The 35,000 potholes that will be repaired on the weekends will be in addition to those filled during the week by regular City street crews. Beginning Sept. 24-25 and continuing every other weekend thereafter until December 17-18, the Bureau of Street Services will provide 50 trucks and crews to blanket specific areas of the City and repair all identified potholes that have been reported by the community. The program will kick off in South Los Angeles on Sept. 24-25 with the area being canvassed for potholes by the community during the previous two weeks.
New Director of CA Division of Law Enforcement	Sept	- Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced the appointment of Richard “Rick” Oules, an 18-Year DOJ Veteran to lead 1,000 state employees, as Director of the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). Oules, 49, assumes command of DLE effective immediately, and he succeeds Patrick Lunney, who recently retired after a 30-year career in law enforcement. Oules is the first “up-from-the-ranks” DLE Director to serve in the position in nearly 40 years. “Rick’s experience as a front-line officer and law enforcement leader has been of great service to our department and to law enforcement agencies throughout California,” said Lockyer. “Under his leadership, the Division will continue to build on its successes and develop innovative and relevant crime-fighting strategies that help keep Californians safe.”
LAFD's Special Agents... Rescue Dogs	Sept	- by Brian Humphrey, LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic -- This morning, the Voice of America broadcast a global story about a pair of very special Los Angeles Fire Department rescuers who were recently dispatched to the Hurricane ravaged regions of the Gulf Coast. I think you will find their story to be intriguing, informative and inspirational. All of us at the LAFD are proud to have Ron, Manny and Dawson on our team! Read the Voice of America article ... download the show ...
CERT Volunteers needed to take donations	Sept	- Operation “Get Your Kit Together” - A Radiothon -- The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is looking for volunteers to help take donations during a TalkRadio 790 KABC, 95.5 KLOS and ESPN Radio 710 Radiothon. The event will run from early morning Sept 30 thru midnight Oct 2 ... so there's plenty of need for volunteers. Those who benefit will include recent evacuees, their animals and the United States Coast Guard. Find out how you can help out, and all about CERT, too! Run by the LA Fire Department, at LACP we LOVE the CERT program! It's a terrific way the community can participate in public safety ... and almost anyone can play a part!
LA Sheriff Dept - Policing for the 21st Century	Sept	- by Dr. Arthur Jones, LACP and Committee Member - The Sheriff's Advisory Committee project was launched three years ago, and has since evolved into an internationally recognized “think tank”. It recently won praise from professors at major American universities as “a brilliant research and development team”, and “probably the best R & D team in U.S. policing today.” Superlatives aside, we think that visitors to LACP.org will be interested in learning more about this remarkable group.
DHS - San Diego Border Plan	Sept	- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff today announced he will exercise his authority according to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and REAL ID Act of 2005, to waive certain legal requirements necessary to ensure expeditious completion of the 14-mile Border Infrastructure System (“BIS”) near San Diego, California. “Completing the Border Infrastructure System will strengthen our efforts to reduce illegal entry to the United States. Congress provided us the authority to ensure this project is completed and I intend to use it. Through this system with advanced technology and additional personnel we can make substantial progress in this section of our border,” said Secretary Chertoff. Read all about the plan ...
Will You... Before Disaster Strikes?	August	- by Brian Humphrey, LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic - Earlier today, there was a small swarm of earthquakes in Kern County, California - about 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles. While millions apparently felt them, sadly only a few will use this and other recent events to spur their personal, family, home, neighborhood, community, school and workplace preparedness. Think about it. You can't be "sort of" prepared for emergencies. Either you are or you aren't, and experience has shown us that most people fall into the latter category. It's not that they don't want to be prepared, just that they find the process intimidating or simply never get around to it.
Police Commission Accomplishments	August	- 2001 thru 2005 - On Tuesday, August 16, 2005, the current members of the Los Angeles Police Commission will met as a group for the last time. They convened at 9:30am in Parker Center, as they have for the last four years, nearly every Tuesday. As volunteers, Commissioners donate an average of 20 hours per week to the City of Los Angeles. The members of this Police Commission have enacted significant changes in the Los Angeles Police Department, including attracting and recruiting Police Chief Bill Bratton to Los Angeles. They are proud of their accomplishments as they turn over the reigns of the LAPD to the new Police Commission appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Commission Elects John Mack as President	August	- In their first meeting, the members of the newly-appointed Los Angeles Police Commission, elected John W. Mack as the President, and Alan Skobin as the Vice President of the five-member panel that oversees the Los Angeles Police Department. The other members are Shelley Freeman, Regional President for Wells Fargo Los Angeles Metro Community Bank, Andrea Ordin, a Partner in law offices of Morgan Lewis, and Anthony Pacheco, an Attorney at the law firm of Proskauer Rose, LLP.
Wildfire Danger in Southern California	August	- by Brian Humphrey, LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic -- Though we are far from the peak of wildfire season in Southern California, the steadily increasing danger of vegetation fires is apparent in our region. To assess wildfire danger and behavior, Firefighters analyze the relationship between factors of the "Fire Environment Triangle". The balance or imbalance of Weather, Terrain and Fuels will dictate the current fire hazard for a certain geographic region.
New Neighborhood Watch Signs available	August	- Neighborhood Watch Programs are very effective against crime. The LAPD and the Department of Transportation have recently devised new procedures for establishing Neighborhood Watch signs throughout the city. All signs must adhere to the attached specifications. Signs can not be altered or have any special logos or verbage, such as names of block clubs, neighborhood watch groups, neighborhood council names and/or logos. Here are the new Neighborhood Watch Sign applications.
US, Mexico and Canada Security Plan	July	- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and their government counterparts in Mexico and Canada released today the first report of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) that identifies initial results, key themes and initiatives, and work plans that further promote the security and prosperity of North America.
4,506 People Died While In Custody, 10 years	July	- Pursuant to CA law, the California Department of Justice has maintained death in custody information since 1980. The law provides that in any case in which a person dies while in the custody of any law enforcement or correctional agency the agency shall report in writing to the Attorney General, within 10 days after the death, the facts concerning the death. Although death in custody information is routinely provided to the public on request, an annual publication of the data in report form has not been possible due to limited resources. This report provides a brief overview for policymakers and the public of the facts regarding deaths in custody in California from 1994 through 2003, with a more detailed analysis for 2003.
Terrorism and Beyond: the role of policing ...	July	- by Arthur A. Jones and Robin Wiseman - LACP is seeking input for this new work in progress, a draft synopsis of Chapter XIII of the book in preparation Terrorism and Beyond: The Role of Policing in Fighting Terrorism in the USA compared with Europe. Here's an incomplete chapter of their book, still in the process of being prepared for future publication. Input is being requested of the LACP community. You are respectfully asked to send your comments, criticisms and thoughts by email. NOTE: Please also: see the German Language Summary
44 Things to Reduce Domestic Violence	July	- by Attorney General Bill Lockyer - The AG's Task Force released a report revealing that the criminal justice system is failing to enforce CA's domestic violence laws. Joined by statewide leaders, Lockyer called for implementation of 5 key recommendations to reduce domestic abuse and challenged local law enforcement and judicial officers to increase and improve their efforts to stop the cycle of family violence .Lockyer said "System fatigue is not an excuse for domestic abuse. We are going to shift a culture of complacency into a culture of compliance." The report is based on an extensive two-year assessment.
Terrorism and Dept of Homeland Security	July	- by Michael Chertoff, Secretary - Department of Homeland Security - Terrorism is the issue on the forefront of many people’s minds, and it is a subject that demands that type of frank debate and continuous evaluation. As the recent bombings in Egypt and London tragically showed; terrorism has not taken a recess. To be sure, under the President’s leadership, since 9/11 we have struck back at the terrorists and averted a successful attack in the U.S., but we can not let ourselves be lulled into complacency or lose focus on our long term homeland security needs. The terrorists are constantly at work, mutating and plotting -- driven by their evil ideology. So, we too must adapt, we must plan, we must work harder – driven by our determination that we will prevail. Read his full speech here ...
Free Qurans for the American public	June	- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced it would offer free copies of the Quran to the American public in response to the recent controversy generated by a Newsweek article alleging that Islam's holy text was flushed down a toilet. The "Explore the Quran" campaign is designed to increase an understanding and appreciation of Islam by making copies of the Quran available to ordinary people.
Small Schools Alliance - meets Wed, June 8th	June	- LACP is privileged to participate on the Small Schools Alliance (SSA) representing both LA Community Policing and the LA Neighborhood Council Citywide Issues Group. Recent newscasts have highlighted many of the problems in the schools. Test scores are horrible, the dropout rate is alarming, and there has been a marked increase in violence on and around campus. I'm sure you can easily see the need for reform of our school system as both a public safety and quality of life issue ... to say nothing of our need to do all we can to provide our youth, LA's future, the best educational opportunity we can. LA's new Mayor-elect, Antonio Villaraigosa, agrees. In fact, he's expected to attend our next meeting, to which you are cordially invited.
LA Home Turf for Hundreds of Gangs	June	- We're often asked at LA Community Policing about issues involving gangs and other youth problems in the community. Here's an LA Times article that helps illustrate just how large, difficult and violent the situation is in Los Angeles. The sheer scope of the problem is an excellent argument for doing all we can as a community to participate in and support anti-gang prevention and intervention programs.
Chief Wants Cameras In Patrol Cars	June	. . . a longstanding recommendation at LACP -- The press reported today that Chief Bratton has asked the City Council to purchase digital cameras to be installed and used in LAPD's patrol cars, a longstanding recommendation at LA Community Policing. We have advocated the use of this technology for years, and, since the inception of our nonprofit we have testified several times to the LAPD Police Commission and LA City Council as to the many benefits of protecting both officers and suspects thru the use of video recording and other 21st Century technology.
"LA River -- The Future Is Now" - Events	May	- The City of LA Dept of Public Works announces the "Los Angeles River - The Future is Now" community events calendar for the month of May and invites Angelenos to participate in these events to learn more about the LA River. This is just one element of a larger month-long springtime educational campaign being sponsored by the City of LA. This campaign was developed and is being presented by the LA River Ad Hoc Committee and the Bureau of Sanitation.
LAPD Goes to Washington	May	- LAPD Goes to Washington for National Police Memorial Week -The LAPD has supported the National Police Officers Memorial since it was dedicated in 1991, by then President George H. W. Bush. May 15th is designated at National Police Officers Memorial Day, and the entire week is set aside as Police Memorial Week. Assistant Chief Sharon Papa will lead a group of about two dozen LAPD officers who will represent LAPD at the various ceremonies.
LANI Third Annual Community Forum - 5/21	May	- Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative - LANI's Third Annual Community Forum will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005. The Forum will take place at USC Davidson Conference Center from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm and is free of charge. LA Community Policing's founder, Bill Murray, will once again be among the presenters. There will be many Breakout workshop topics included. Register online.
Leaders divided over police-force merger	May	- on May 17th, Los Angeles voters will be asked to decide if they wish to change the LA City Charter to allow for the possible integration of LAX Police (and perhaps Harbor Police) into the LAPD. This effort has been going on for years. The combination of all three forces is seen by many as the way to best coordinate the local law enforcement command structure and dramatically improve response times when dealing with terrorist and large scale emergencies.
Police merger would benefit Los Angeles	May	- by William Bratton - Charter Amendment A aims to cut bureaucracy and improve airport safety .LAX today is not as safe as it could or should be. The city of LA is failing the millions of people who travel through LAX each year and the tens of thousands of people who work there and live in the immediate vicinity by continuing its out-of-date policy of giving two police departments the same job of securing the airport. The current situation can lead to unnecessary confusion, poor coordination and, as a result, a less secure airport. But this is a problem that is easily fixed.
Mothers On the March (MOM) Rally - 5/7	May	- Mothers On the March (MOM) Unity March & Empowerment Rally - Saturday, May 7th - Just a friendly reminder of this event: A Mother’s Day of recognition for families who have have lost children to violence. Unite with our Mothers. Become part of this movement directed, at taking back our children & communities, a Mother’s Day of recognition for families who have have lost children to violence.
39 ways to cope with L.A.'s daily dangers	April	- Let's cut right to the cliché: Southern California is a land of eternal sunshine, with friendly, honest inhabitants and as many paths to good health, peace and prosperity as a Malibu Canyon health spa. But unless you've been living in an orgone box and your reading has been confined to antique Southern Pacific Railroad pamphlets, you know this to be as accurate as a major studio's balance sheet.
Arson Awareness Week - Starts May 1st	April	- by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Firefighter - This Sunday, May 1, is the first day of "Arson Awareness Week." We hope that you will join us in putting an end to this crime that endangers all members of the community, including Firefighters. With this year's focus on School Arson, we wanted to make you aware of a sobering 36-page report produced by the US Fire Administration entitled "Arson & Juveniles: Responding to the Violence" Why target School Arson ...and why focus on our children?
State's Violent Crime Rate Dropped In 2004	April	- Attorney General Bill Lockyer released statewide crime statistics for 2004 that show the overall violent crime rate fell 5.2 percent from the 2003 level. "This report tells a good law enforcement story," said Lockyer. "Despite budget deficits and limited resources, our communities and families are safer from violent crime. To make more progress, we must continue developing and providing to our law enforcement personnel technologically advanced, cost-effective crime fighting tools."
Close the Doors of Youth Prisons - OPINION	April	- The prison system in Californian needs a long overdue overhaul. Many of the facilities are crumbling, most are holding far more inmates than they were designed for, and guards are operating in dangerous conditions But another consideration is the process we use when dealing with prisoners .. especially the young. At current population levels, it's difficult to do little more than incarcerate kids for the duration of their sentences. One mother sees the situation as unbearable, and has a personal experience to share. It's her opinion that the California Youth Authorities should be shut down. OPINION - LA Times ...
Want to Solve Problems? Call the Police!	April	- Want to Solve Problems? Don't Be Afraid - Call the Police ! - by an LAPD Volunteer..- It is amazing to me that after more than twelve years of being involved in Community Policing and Neighborhood Watch, and the past eight years as a Los Angeles Police Volunteer, I see so many of my fellow community members still don't get it, or are sleeping through the meetings they attend! I read through a few of the Letters to the Editor here, and I see that many people still want an LAPD unit in their driveway, 24/7, solving all their problems, so they can go about their day, without getting involved.
Draconian crime bills soon in Congress	April	- Draconian crime bills up for vote soon in Congress - OPINION - ACLU Pasadena - Two draconian drug, gangs and death penalty bills are now coming before Congress. (Pasadena area Congressman Adam Schiff sits on House Judiciary Committee). To learn more and email your Congressman on the gangs and death penalty expansion bill, go to the ACLU site. Also read today's (May 5) scathing LA Times editorial against the drugs related bill. The links are proviced here ...
Approaches in the Fight Against Terrorism	March	- by Arthur A. Jones and Robin Wiseman - United States and European Approaches in the Fight Against Terrorism - Europe favors and practices a composite police response to terrorism, whether emanating from Al Qaeda, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, or other, more loosely affiliated groups or cells. The United States has implemented a strong military response coupled with off-shore detention facilities and specially designed judicial proceedings. Is one approach doing significantly better than the other?
LAFD Fire Station Construction Update	March	- by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Firefighter - In November 2000, the voters of Los Angeles resoundingly approved the Proposition F Bond Measure to replace 19 existing fire stations and construct one new fire station. We are pleased to provide a brief update of each of the 20 fire station projects. For complete information, please access the Proposition F Monthly Update (provided, too).
LAFD - Straight Talk in Tough Times	March	- by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Firefighter - LA Fire Chief Bill Bamattre and the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department invite your participation in the "Day of Dialogue" program scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2005. This program's objective is to open doors of communication between members of the community and those who serve them. This year's event will focus on the recent events surrounding the death of 13-year old Devin Brown, and is a collaborative effort with LAPD, others.
LAPD Gets a Dedicated Animal Cruelty Unit	March	- by Judi Baylor - New "Animal Cruelty Division" gets six month pilot program -.On February 15 the LAPD, the Department of Animal Services and the City Attorney vowed to work together on a six-month pilot program, creating a special unit to expand the City's law enforcement in the investigation of animal abuse, "blood-sport" and animal fighting. The District Attorney may also join them in this effort!
The long process of bringing a killer to justice	March	- by Melanie Donahue - Here's a complilation of several "Letters to the Editor" sent to LACP on an issue we've tracked almost since LACP was established. The letters all deal with the senseless murder of Melanie Donahue's brother by a Venice gang member, and his identification, capture, trial and eventual conviction. LA Community Policing is happy it was able to provided Melanie and her family ongoing suggestions and support, and delighted her brother's killer was brought to justice.
New cameras in Filipinotown neighborhood	March	- Garcetti, Mayor Unveil Safety Cameras in Rampart Parks - Councilmember Eric Garcetti joined Mayor James Hahn, Captain Charlie Beck of LAPD Rampart Division, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mike Roos at the unveiling of new wireless safety cameras in Lake Street Park in the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood, "... one tool that the LAPD can use to restore neighbors' faith ..."
LAPD's Report on Seven Youth Programs	March	- In response to a Police Commission Request, LAPD recently presented the following report on its seven Youth Programs. The Department's youth programs are designed to service at-risk youth of all age groups, ranging from six to twenty years of age. As Chief Bratton writes, LAPD's Juvenile Division, and its Commanding Officer, Captain Sharyn Buck, "share the common goals of diverting at-risk youth from criminal activity and unacceptable behavior, and directing them towards fulfilling and productive lives."
Police aren't the cause of our violence	March	- by Sunil Dutta, Guest Columnist, LA Daily News..Sunil Dutta is a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department's Internal Affairs Group. ..Officers are not the racist, trigger-happy, brutal, heavy-handed monsters as portrayed in the media. Officers reflect the society they are a part of. All of us are the problem, because we have consistently failed to address the underlying social issues that have turned us into the most violent and the most unequal society in the industrialized nations -- despite being the strongest and wealthiest country in the history of the world.
President Bush - about Homeland Security	March	- by President George W. Bush - Remarks by the President at the Swearing-In Ceremony of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff - "Since September the 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented steps to protect the American people. We have assembled a strong coalition of nations to secure our respective countries. We have closed down terrorists, networks, and chased down their leaders in mountains and deserts around the world. We've removed two dangerous regimes that harbored terrorists and threatened the peace; we convinced a third to voluntary abandon its nuclear and chemical weapons programs. We have broken up the world's most dangerous nuclear trading network, and busted up terrorist cells around the globe."
Limiting Access to Key Ingredient for Meth	Feb	- by Dianne Feinstein - U.S. Senators Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced bipartisan legislation to curb methamphetamine production by moving pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient to make meth, behind the pharmacy counter. The comprehensive legislation, the Combat Meth Act (S.103) also provides new resources to help law enforcement fight meth in America’s neighborhoods. Missouri and California lead the nation in the production of methamphetamines.
Police need means to restrain suspects	Feb	- by Bob Baker, PPL - Controversies about force come from only small number of cases - OPINION - When police officers go out on patrol, they must have the means and the training to safely restrain violent and resisting suspects. That is the least that every LAPD officer expects, and what all residents of LA deserve from their police officers. Only a small proportion of arrests -- situations in which force has to be used -- are the basis of the majority of controversies regarding police work.
Rainstorm Preparedness & Recovery	Feb	- Important LA Fire Dept Info - City of Los Angeles Homeowners and Business Owners should call 3-1-1 or (866) 4-LACITY to report property damage, potholes, any storm-related damage or to request an inspection by the City of Los Angeles. For any situation that imminently endangers human life, please use 9-1-1. Property owners are advised to contact their insurance agent to evaluate their personal coverage. A comprehensive list of insurance company hotlines appears at the bottom of this message.
The Cost of Change / Reform at the LAPD - An Open Letter	Feb	- by William J. Bratton - Reform means more officers, more funding - Do you want a city that is safe for families and businesses to thrive? Or do you want to rely on hope that the gangs and violence endemic to some neighborhoods won't threaten the places where you live and work? During the last two years, the Los Angeles Police Department has shown that it has the courage and knowledge to reduce crime and to do it largely in a lawful and accountable way. But to achieve our goals, we need greater resources. Throughout our history, we've been asked to do too much for too long with too little.
Understanding the CA State Budget	Feb	- by Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer - Please join me for breakfast with CA State Treasurer Phil Angelides, Feb 25th in Burbank. This free event will be an opportunity to understand the CA State Budget. As we enter 2005, California faces one of the toughest fiscal crises in our state's history. The governor and legislature will debate various options this year, many of which will be difficult.
Black History Month Expo to be held in Feb	Feb	- by Sharon Sprenger - The Recruitment Section in the City of LA's Personnel Department's Public Safety Bureau are helping the LAPD and LAFD host a special event in February -- the Black History Month Expo to be held on Feb. 20 at the Crenshaw Christian Center. LACP has been asked to help spread the word. Please encourage those in your community interesting in a great career to attend.
LAPD Stop Data - Public meetings planned	Feb	- by Bill Murray - For some time now the LAPD has been tracking ethnic, gender, and age information (along with info in many other categories) about pedestrians and occupants of vehicles its officers stop. This is part of the Consent Decree and seeks to ensure the Department treats community folk fairly. The public is now being invited to a series of meetings designed to explain how this data will be assessed.
Human Relations Commission - Special Emergency Meeting on Feb 22	Feb	- Special Emergency Meeting on Feb 22 - Because of a number of recent incidents and the concern of potential tensions across the City, the Commission wants to hear directly from Public Officials, leaders of grass roots organizations and faith communities, and from community members at large from across LA about their concerns. Based upon what's heard from witnesses at this meeting, it's possible that recommendations to the Mayor and City Council will be released to the press and general public on or before February 29, 2005.
City Council denies voters / stakeholders their right of choice	Feb	City Council denies voters / stakeholders rights -- ½ cent citywide dedicated sales tax, originally recommended 10-5, dies 9-6 - by Bill Murray - Virtually everyone agrees ... there's a BIG need for increasing the number of police officers at LAPD. Virtually everyone agrees that all areas of Los Angeles should have 24 hour ambulance service. And virtually everyone agrees that a significant increase in the funding of youth programs for prevention and intervention is a good idea. But no one knows how to pay for it ... except possibly the community itself, which failed by a slender margin in the City to pass a countywide ½ cent sales tax when a badly packaged and ill marketed campaign was presented to it last fall. Now six City Council members feel it's not our right, as voters and stakeholders, to decide for ourselves whether or not we're willing to SELF tax to pay for a far better chance at increasing public safety.
LAFD Applaunds the Fire Corps, a new nationwide volunteer program	Jan	- by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Firefighter - The LA Fire Department applauds the official launch of Fire Corps, a new nationwide program for citizen advocates of the Fire Service. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced the official launch of the Fire Corps program. Fire Corps was created to support Fire Departments across the country by leveraging community volunteer efforts to handle non-emergency activities. Actively involving citizens in a non-emergency role will enable highly trained Fire Service personnel to focus more fully on acute emergency tasks.
LAPD, State of the Department for 2005	Jan	- LAPD - A Plan of Action for the Los Angeles That Is and the Los Angeles That Could Be - These documents strive to do two very different things and in so doing, they encapsulate the best thinking of the people inside our agency and many of the residents of our city with whom we have spoken with during the past two years. The first volume describes what we inside LAPD are doing and planning to do with what we have today. The second volume describes what LAPD would do with significantly more resources.
LA Fire Department - Flood, Storm Information	Jan	- Sandbags are now available at your Neighborhood Fire Station. If you need a large quantity of sand, sandbags, lumber and plastic sheeting, please visit or contact a Building Supply Center in your neighborhood. Firefighters may be limited in the assistance they can offer in the midst of a large storm. You may wish to consider the professional services of a Licensed Contractor or Disaster Cleanup Service in addressing all of your personal preparedness and recovery needs related to storm activity.
Earthquake and Tsunami Aid - helping the victims	Jan	- The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. USAID encourages cash donations because they: allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.
Attorney General -- Avoid Expensive Loans	Jan	- Attorney General Lockyer warned California taxpayers to not fall prey to high-priced "refund anticipation loans" (RAL), which some tax preparers dangle as "instant" cash, but which drain billions of dollars from consumers who can least afford to pay the exorbitant costs. Tax preparers who offer cash advances based on consumers' anticipated refunds have proliferated in the state.
LAFD Says Your Old Phone Has Value	Jan	- by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Firefighter - During the recent holidays, countless people took advantage of leaps in technology, style and price to purchase new cellphones for their family members. With old phones now deactivated and collecting dust, we'd like to ask you to consider donating your no longer needed wireless phone to a good cause. LAFD urges you to consider the CALL-TO-PROTECT Program
Next Alliance Forum is Saturday, January 15th	Jan	- Alliance of Neighborhood Councils - Representatives from DONE, BONC and a variety of City Departments will meet with Neighborhood Council stakeholders on Saturday, January 15th, in the Faculty Center at Los Angeles City College on Vermont. These forums, held every two months, have become an important part of the process of sharing current information about the emerging NCs.
Sheriffs Leroy Baca's Community Day 2005	Jan	- LA Community Policing is again helping to plan Sheriff Baca's next Community Day on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005. Held annually, they've become extremely popular, and over 30,000 people will attended this year! Sheriff Leroy D. Baca serves as the host of these events, which are coordinated by a dedicated staff at Power of Love World Ministries, led by Bishop Edward R. Turner. We are seeking community or social service based agencies who wish to participate. Find out how to get your organization involved !