LACP.org
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Forum Articles - 2007
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:    
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
 
- recent comments and criticisms from the LACP "stakeholders" - community members, LAPD officers and City officials
 
- a list of articles from Dr. Arthur Jones and Dr. Robin Weisman, consultants and authors on international policing, social policy and human rights
...Main Articles 2007:    
Police Commission Approves Financial Disclosure Program Dec Los Angeles – December 20 – Today, the members of the Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously approved a Special Order entitled “Confidential Financial Disclosure Policy and Procedures for Gang Enforcement Detail and Narcotics Field Enforcement Section Units Established.”  The unfortunate circumstances of the Rampart corruption scandal led to the City of Los Angeles entering into a Consent Decree with the United States Department of Justice on June 15, 2001.  This Consent Decree was a direct result of a pattern of practices that represented loose management over officers, and specifically those who deal with valuable contraband or cash.  Paragraph 132 of the Federal Consent Decree states,“The LAPD shall require regular and periodic financial disclosures by all LAPD officers and other LAPD employees who routinely handle valuable contraband or cash.  The LAPD shall periodically audit a random sample of such disclosures to ensure their accuracy.  When necessary, the LAPD shall require the necessary waivers from such officers.”
"Adrenaline Rush Hour" - an officer says "thanks" Dec by Teresa Lincoln, LAPD Officer - Command Pilot, CFI (retired) - Dear Chief Bratton, I am sending this note of appreciation to you, your Command Staff and the Los Angeles Police Department with gratitude for the past (24) years of a truly exhilarating career. As I was driving home from my meeting with the LAPD Retirement Counselor, I found myself stuck in L.A. traffic and my mind began to wander. The moment took me back in time to a day (24) years earlier. I was just a young woman driving home from my secretarial job when I found myself stuck in L.A. traffic. It was at that moment, I heard a radio commercial that would change my life forever. It was an LAPD recruitment commercial speaking about the different career options within the department. They talked about Detectives, K-9, SWAT and the Bomb-Squad but when they said you could even be a helicopter pilot for the Air Support Division, I felt a surge of adrenaline rush through me. I got the chills and my mind began racing with excitement and thoughts of the possibilities.
Broad fix needed for gang woes Dec

by Adam Schiff and Rocky Delgadillo - EDITORIAL - On Sept. 15, Luis Angel Garcia, a 23-day-old infant was shot and killed in broad daylight in a crowded marketplace near MacArthur Park in central Los Angeles. Five men, all alleged members of the 18th Street Gang, have been charged with involvement in the murder. Allegedly, the men targeted a street vendor who refused to pay the "tax" that the gang extorted from vendors in the area. The vendor's wife and the baby's mother were also shot and wounded. Two others have been charged for witness intimidation in connection with the killing. Sadly, this tragic story is not unique. Gang-related crimes are on the rise. In 2006, while the overall rate of violent crime fell in Los Angeles, gang-related violence jumped by 14 percent. In the San Fernando Valley, gang violence was up by 40 percent. Sixty percent of homicides in Los Angeles were gang-related, and 86 percent of murder victims were Latino or African-American. These statistics are alarming and disheartening, and they are also a call to action.
Mall Holiday Crime Prevention Dec The traditional holiday shopping season is in full swing and The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley-Bureau, and mall security, valley-wide have beefed up their security efforts. Police also want to alert shoppers to be aware of the thieves roaming around inside the mall and mall parking lots preying on visible items they can easily get their hands on. In an effort to reduce crime at malls and shopping centers, police have publicized additional resources. A volunteer mounted unit that's made up of equestrian community members are part of the increased security efforts. They will be on hand to work closely with police by lending extra eyes and ears. Volunteer surveillance team (eyes and ears for mall police), footbeat officers, bike patrol officers, increase of private security have also been added for high visibility and to crack down on crimes at shopping centers.
Animal Cruelty Task Force Dec The Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) was recognized by the City Council for their outstanding work since its inception in 2005. This Task Force is made of a partnership between Los Angeles Police Officers and Detectives, Department of Animal Services Officers and Deputy City Attorney's, City Attorney's Office. Animal Services Officers brought with them some of the animals rescued.  ACTF has investigated more than 400 cruelty against animal cases, 15 dog-fighting rings and 35 cockfighting operations.  ACTF has also investigated several cases of people hoarding pets.
LAPD's Annual Angels Community Book & Toy Drive Dec Chief William Bratton kicked off the LAPD's Annual Angels Community Book & Toy Drive at his Media Availability News Conference on Friday afternoon. For the 7th year, Chief Bratton announced the beginning of the annual “LAPD Angels Community Book & Toy Drive.” Members of our community are encouraged to donate unwrapped toys or books at any of the Department's 19 community police stations. Chief Bratton is asking for those who will be donating books to write an inspirational message to a child for a happy and prosperous New Year, on the inside cover of the book. This year Hasbro Inc. has donated 1,000 toys.  These toys will be distributed amongst all of the Department's police stations to distribute to families in need in their respective communities as they host various toy and food giveaways during the holidays.
Foothill Area SLO Might Be A Glamour Woman Dec Foothill Area Senior Lead Officer Michelle Rodriguez Might Be A Glamour Woman - Foothill SLO Michelle Rodriguez is on Glamour magazine's short list for one of their 2008 Women of the Year Awards.  An annual tradition in its 18th year, Glamour has saluted “inspiring, high-achieving women” with this list, honoring celebrities, athletes, politicians, public figures, various professionals, and even organizations.  The 2007 list includes the likes of actress Jennifer Garner, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, clothing designer Donna Karan and Elizabeth Edwards, cancer survivor and wife of Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards. Officer Rodriguez was nominated for the award by Monica Cardenas, a community member who credits Rodriguez with changing her perception of police officers.
Crisis Response Team (CRT) Now Recruiting Dec Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa - community civilian volunteers - CRT members are comprised of community civilian volunteers and at the request of LAPD and LAFD provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention & referrals to victims & their families affected by a death, a serious injury, a violent crime or other traumatic incidents. These include homicides, suicides, serious traffic accidents, natural deaths & multi-casualty incidents. The program is managed by the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security & Public Safety in close coordination with the City's Fire & Police Departments. BILINGUAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !!
LAPD's Chief Bratton Speaks Out Nov What's Wrong With Criminal Justice Research—and How to Make It Right - From the LAPD - edited by Nancy Ritter .. Editor's Note: Bill Bratton has never been one to mince words. He has managed six police agencies in the United States, including three of the Nation's largest. Chief Bratton currently runs the Los Angeles Police Department. Before that, he was commissioner of the Boston Police Department, and from 1994–1996, commissioner of the New York City Police Department. The National Institute of Justice invited Chief Bratton to speak at its annual conference last year. He discussed the sometimes rocky relationship between criminal justice practitioners and criminal justice researchers. Here are excerpts from those remarks. .. For most of the last half of the 20th century, the relationship between police practitioners and researchers was, at best, one of agreeing to disagree on the causes of crime and the best ways to respond to and prevent crime. At worst, we talked past each other and didn't connect at all. I'm a proponent of more intimate partnerships and collaboration between practitioners and academics. I'm convinced that these partnerships are particularly important as we enter the new paradigm of the 21st century, where intelligence-led policing and the uncertainties of under-researched issues like terrorism and cybercrime begin to confront us.
LAPD's Community Engagement Initiative with the Muslim Community Nov From the LAPD (see the podcast) .Chief William J. Bratton, and members of his command staff met with several leaders of the Los Angeles Muslim community to begin the initial efforts of the Community Engagement Initiative. At the meeting, honest and frank dialogue surrounding the LAPD's Community Engagement Initiative - and in particular - the mapping of Muslim communities, was shared. Chief Bratton assured those in attendance that the mapping component of the initiative will not and cannot move forward as it would have required shared cooperation between the Department and members of the Muslim community. “The LAPD strongly embraces the philosophy of Community Policing in all of our daily operations and functions,” said Chief Bratton. “Community Policing is a partnership between the police and the community, whereby the police and the community share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety and order. By working together, we can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods Citywide. I have said it many times, in many places, and I want to be perfectly clear…We cannot do this alone! We need the working cooperation of all members of our community.”
Skid Row - Are We Taking a Step Back? Nov A Skid Row Cop's Opinion .Recently, our City Council made an agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union to allow homeless people to sleep on the sidewalk at night Citywide.  It is unknown what the impact of this decision will be.  In my opinion, it will be a negative one, but not for the reasons people would stereotypically believe would come from a police officer. Yes, increased crime and poor quality of life issues are a "realistic" concern.  This is counter to our "idealistic" detractors, however, my worries and fears are not only for the homeless individuals that will begin to take refuge on the streets Skid Row, but the rest of the City as well. My concern is mainly for their individual safety.  Before the Safer Cities Initiative (SCI), people were allowed to sleep and camp on the sidewalks, which created a form of chaos.  The chaos led to the victimization and self-destructive behavior amongst the homeless.  This congestion of criminality made it very difficult to serve the homeless members we protect from crime.
Reserve Police Officer Program Nov LAPD's Volunteer Officers . The Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps is comprised of community members who volunteer their time to fulfill many of the roles handled by full-time sworn police officers. Reserve officers receive the same training as fulltime officers and work alongside them in every aspect of Department operations. They come from every walk of life, and include a current Police Commissioner and two members of the LA City Council. If you're looking for a way to help keep Los Angeles safe, there's no calling higher than that of a volunteer LAPD Reserve Police Officer. Check out what it takes !!
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Oct We hope that any of you who haven't been Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trained would be able to attend these classes, or those who need to make up a class can do it here with this training. These classes are well worth the effort for you, your family and your community. Please spread the word to any other people who may be interested. Learn to care for your family and neighbors in a time of crisis. Training is done by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Earn your helmet and vest and become qualified to take immediate action when an emergency occurs! Become CERT Certified!   Talk about LA Community Policing !
LAPD's Chief Bratton knows larger terrorism threat Oct by Michael P. Dowling, Deputy Chief..The Los Angeles Police Department's counterterrorism capabilities have grown exponentially in the past six years. We are constantly training and building our capacity - both in terms of personnel and equipment - all in an attempt to prevent terrorism from taking root in the city of Los Angeles. Despite this, we are often criticized for our decisions by people who are either uninformed or rush to judgment based on inaccurate information. The latest evolution of this is Charles Peña's Oct. 6 opinion piece, "LAPD chief doesn't understand the terrorist threat." Peña contends that the department's acquisition of devices that detect radiological weapons and materials was essentially unwarranted and that Chief William Bratton does not grasp the "larger terrorist threat." He is wrong on both counts, and I think it is important to illustrate why.
Global Incident Map Oct World-wide security - This is interesting!  When you click on the website link below, a Global Incident Map comes up showing what strange and / or dangerous things are happening right now in every country in the entire world .. and it's updated every few minutes. You can move the map around, zero in on any one area, and actually up-load the story of what is going on. It is amazing when you can see the things that are happening right here in the U.S. -- sometimes right in your own state or even your city. There is a lot happening in our world every minute. This "map" updates every 300 seconds .. constantly, 24/7.
National Strategy for Homeland Security - DHS Oct Finally .. a call for community policing . It's taken over six years but the White House has finally created a Department of Homeland Security policy entitled "National Strategy for Homeland Security" which concludes that the way to conduct a War on Terror and defeat terrorism is to employ the principles of community policing, placing strong new emphasis on the counter terrorism role played by the private sector, American citizens and U.S. allies overseas. President Bush calls for cooperation at every level. He writes, "To best protect the American people, homeland security must be a responsibility shared across our entire Nation. As we further develop a national culture of preparedness, our local, Tribal, State, and Federal governments, faith-based and community organizations, and businesses must be partners in securing the Homeland." That's community policing. Now it should be interesting to see what the Federal Government is ready to do to support it.
Fire Disaster Information - from DONE Oct The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment has received a number of press releases and e-mails regarding fire disaster. We want to share this information with you, knowing only too well that all of us live in the shadow of a potential fire emergency. Also, many of us have friends and family who are directly impacted by fire emergencies right now, and who need our help. When important information like this comes our way, we will provide it to you as soon as possible, as we understand how valuable and effective Neighborhood Councils can be in getting the news out to stakeholders across our City.
LAPD Final Report - An Examination of May Day 2007 Oct An Examination of May Day 2007 - MacArthur Park - (Presented to the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners, Oct 9, 2007)   Executive Summary- On May 1, 2007, what began as a peaceful march, rally and expression of First Amendment rights, ended in confrontation - seemingly the result of a small group of individuals attempting to incite a disturbance, coupled with decisions made by Department personnel. The images of helmeted officers, using batons to push and strike members of the public and the media and firing less-lethal impact munitions at people in the park, were disconcerting. These actions raised questions regarding how this occurred; particularly in light of the extensive efforts on the part of the Department to implement change over the last five years. - Read the Executive Summary and / or download the full report here ..
Wildfire Preparedness and Red Flag Parking Status Oct by Brian Humphrey - LAFD Spokesman . With wildfire danger approaching its historic peak period in Southern California, please take time now to prepare your home and family for wildfire. Those living in Los Angeles can find important regulations [on our website]. We also wanted to remind you about the Red Flag (fire weather) Parking Restrictions for the City of Los Angeles. To sign up for alerts and notifications specific to *Red Flag Parking Restrictions* in our City [you can go to our website, too]. Thanks for letting us give you this timely message. We want you to stay safe!
LAPD deserves better than recent tirade Oct by Michel R. Moore - Letter to Editor, LA Daily News -- WITH its editorial titled "LAPD's numbers game" (Oct. 4) we have yet another example of the willingness of the Daily News editorial page to callously throw out insulting allegations of fraud and misrepresentation against public servants. n this most recent incident, the editorial board asserted the Los Angeles Police Department is "cooking the books" in its report on deployment in the San Fernando Valley. The underlying purpose of their destructive and mean-spirited rant? Apparently to reassert the never-ending mantra that more officers are needed in the San Fernando Valley. . Michel Moore is an LAPD Deputy Chief
Historic Chief's Reappointment Oct William J. Bratton, Chief, LAPD - In the history of the Los Angeles Police Department, only two Chiefs have served more than one term: Henry King from 1878-1880 and 1881-1883, and James Davis from 1926–1929 and 1933–1938.  On October 25, 2007, Chief William J. Bratton will join that list when he is sworn in for his second term in a public ceremony at the Elysian Park Academy.  He will also become the first Chief to be appointed to serve a second term under the new limits set in 1992 by City Charter Amendment F. By the time of his 2002 swearing-in, Chief Bratton had already made international headlines.  In the 1990s, he became known as a change agent for reengineering police departments.  As Chief of the New York City Transit Police, Boston Police Commissioner, and New York City Police Commissioner, he had revitalized morale at each Department and cut crime significantly, even achieving the largest crime declines in New York City history.
Gun Microstamping Legislation Sept Rep. Becerra Commends California Senate's Passage of Gun Microstamping Legislation . EDITOR'S NOTE:  LA Community Policing has long been an advocate for this technology, which makes the tracing of ammunition used in crimes much easier.  Over the years, LACP's founder, Bill Murray, has attended and participated in various conferences devoted to the advancment of microstamping technology. . WASHINGTON, D.C. – Already passed by the California Assembly in May, the “Crime Gun Identification Act” (A.B. 1471) will return to the Assembly for a final vote after being amended and passed in the state Senate last week. The legislation, introduced by Assemblyman Mike Feuer earlier this year, would require that semiautomatic handguns sold in California starting in 2010 be equipped with microstamping technology. The amended Senate version clarifies that the inventor of microstamping technology will make the microstamping patent available royalty-free. If signed in to law, California would lead the nation as the first state to require that semiautomatic handguns leave an identifying mark on each fired bullet cartridge.
A Letter to Skid Row Sept by Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph - OPINION - I have maintained my silence on this issue for a long time.  But I just cannot take it any longer.  There are groups in the skid row area that claim to be for the homeless, but they are truly for exploiting them. Since I became a Senior Lead Officer (SLO), this group and other alike groups have fought us tooth and nail over crime prevention in skid row.  They have been allowed to tell lies, and use racial and homophobic language against officers and myself who patrol the skid row area.  Moreover, when the police officers respond to them, even in a respectful manner, they run down to Central Station, and encourage others to follow suit in filing false complaints. I am for citizens making righteous complaints against officers who treat them poorly.  If you do not believe me, then just ask the staff members of the Volunteers of America (VOA).
U.S. must be ready for second, worse attack Sept by Jonathan Dobrier . With the unhappy, upcoming anniversary of 9-11, despite the blessed lack of subsequent attacks on our homeland, it is not a question of if al-Qaida will strike us again, but when. Al-Qaida has warned us, sworn and promised, to hit our heartland. Osama bin Laden has issued calls to martyrdom to both his close and far-flung followers. Ayman al-Zawahri recently gave the legalistic three-fold warning of attack as mandated in the Quran. All these, along with the arrest this past week of eight suspected terrorists in Denmark and three in Germany posing threats that were both credible and imminent, augur events that call for preparation - both physical and, more importantly, emotional. While we cannot truly prepare for how we will feel, we will need to react with the maturity of a great nation.
Homeland Security National Preparedness Month August More Than 1,700 Organizations to Participate - DHS . The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that more than 1,700 national, regional, state, and local organizations will support the department by participating in National Preparedness Month 2007. This campaign occurs annually in September, and encourages Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. DHS promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and the department's Citizen Corps Program throughout the year. “Too many individuals remain in a state of denial when it comes to personal preparedness,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Able-bodied Americans need to be prepared to take care of themselves and their families after an emergency, so that first responders can focus on those who need assistance most. With the help of our coalition members, we encourage Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make a family communications plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that may affect them.”
Community Emergency Response Team - LA Fire Dept August FEATURED OPPORTUNITY - 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! Don't miss this opportunity! Over the past several years, many residents of the City of Los Angeles have participated in the CERT program, run by the LA Fire Department. The volunteer training prepares community members to take an active role helping the LAFD, and their neighbors, in the event of an emergency. The idea is that during a major earthquake or other disaster neighbors should be ready to help neighbors, and should be prepared ahead of time to interact with LAFD and other City Departments, like LAPD. This is a program for all of us, young and old, and from every walk of life. There's a terrific local community website that's devoted to the CERT program, created and maintained by CERT graduates and volunteers who work closely with the LA City Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Unit. Their goal is to provide information, a forum for discussion, and a point of contact between Community Emergency Response Teams and CERT members everywhere. The website lists many related events that are being held out in the neighborhoods, along with a lot of useful information, newsletters, articles and ideas how we all can become involved.
Pacheco Elected as Police Commission's President August Los Angeles – In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles Police Commission elected Anthony Pacheco to the position of President, and John W. Mack to the position of Vice President.  All five Police Commissioners, Anthony Pacheco, Alan Skobin, Shelley Freeman, John W. Mack, and Andrea Sheridan Ordin, were appointed to the Police Commission by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in July, 2005. John W. Mack held the President's position for the last two years.  “I am honored to hold this position and look forward to continued service  to the community,” stated Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco.  “The last two years on the Police Commission have given me an in-depth understanding of the important issues facing the LAPD.  I am eager to accept this leadership position and use it as an opportunity to address the issues that impact all residents of Los Angeles in one way or another - issues such as gang violence, community-police relations, Consent Decree compliance, and homelessness.”
Fire Chief Barry Responds to Brenda Lee v. City of L A Verdict July All of the recent cases bring attention to the challenges facing the Fire Department and our need to be vigilant in addressing the issues that are involved. Since my appointment to the position of Fire Chief, I have focused my efforts and the efforts of the entire Department towards improving the work environment throughout the organization. I am personally visiting every work location (40 thus far) to emphasize the importance and the Department's expectations of all members in maintaining a positive, professional work environment. Ongoing Human Relations training for all Department members has been made a top priority and has been expanded to four hours for the upcoming quarter. This training is provided to all members, from recruits in the academy to the most senior members of the Department. Investigations of work environment complaints are being reviewed promptly by EEO professionals, and early intervention is being made to mitigate the issues that appear to bring about litigation.
A Skid Row Cop's Opinion -- To Feed or Not to Feed July To Feed or Not to Feed, An Important Question - by Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph --OPINION - Hello.  I am the Lead Officer of Skid Row.  My duties do not just include crime prevention, but the quality of life issues that affect the homeless community.  Many people outside of the skid row realm tend to look at this area as a quasi community.  The thing they fail to realize is that there are good law-abiding people here whether they are street dwellers or residents of low income housing who see skid row as a true community in every sense of the word.  Like any community, they desire litter free streets, and responsible behavior from those who live, work, or visit this area. Community members voice their concerns to me on a daily basis.  One of their major concerns is the feeding of the homeless by outside groups.  Their hearts are in the right place, but the results of their activities contribute to the poor quality of life for the skid row community.
Newsletters Engage the Community July Newsletters Engage the Community - Keep them coming back! . A nicely written Newsletter, presented on a regular basis, can be an engaging tool for the community, and will keep potential community policing parties coming back. The new commanding officer at Hollenbeck Division, Captain Blake Chow, lost no time in producing one. In it he introduces himself, discusses his plans for crime fighting, provides information for each of the neighborhoods within the Area, presents a crime report, gives out contact info and phone numbers and more. Newsletters can be attached to an email, distributed at any number of community meetings, or mailed out. LA Community Policing is happy to provide an additional forum to get these Newsletters to the public. Please include LACP.org on your email list when you distribute your Area Newsletters.
Kids are susceptible on-line July A must read for parents & grandparents - After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her "Buddy List" and saw GoTo123 was on. She sent him an instant message:
ByAngel213: Hi. I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123: LOL .. You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?
Police Commission Reappoints Chief Bratton to a Second Term June June 19, 2007 – Los Angeles – Today, the five members of the Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously agreed to reappoint William Bratton to a second five-year term as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police Commission President John W. Mack stated, “In his first term, Chief Bratton provided visionary and progressive leadership for this Department.  His efforts have greatly benefited the City of Los Angeles in numerous ways and have advanced effective policing.  He has demonstrated a recognition of the needs and concerns of our uniquely diversified City.  He has been forthright and proactive in dealing with very disturbing and highly controversial LAPD incidents when the actions of some individual officers were very disturbing and created community outrage.  His response to the May Day incident at MacArthur Park is a clear demonstration of Chief Bratton's exemplary, decisive leadership by addressing command and control problems and launching several comprehensive investigations.  He aggressively reached out to individuals, victims, immigrant rights organizations, rally participants, Latino leaders, members of the media who were victims, civil rights and civil liberties leaders and organizations. Many can appear to be outstanding leaders when things are going well.  However, one's response to adversity provides a real test for a leader.  My fellow Commissioners and I carefully evaluated Chief Bratton's response to the MacArthur Park incident, and unanimously agreed that he has met that test thus far.  As serious and disturbing as the MacArthur Park incident was, it represented only one aspect of the Police Commission's evaluation.  We carefully reviewed his performance over a four and one half year period.”
Homicide Rate Down - safest in 50 years June At a news conference held inside the 77th Area Police Station, Chief Bratton and Mayor Villaraigosa announced the dramatic reduction in the city's homicide rate.  The numbers speak for themselves: 24% fewer murders and 32% fewer gang-related murders over the same period last year. The Chief attributed the drop to a combination of resources, expertise, help from the community and the collaborative effort between LAPD and government agencies working together under the South Bureau Criminal Gang Homicide Group, established by Commander Pat Gannon.  The group of gang and homicide detectives works with 7 FBI agents, 2 Deputy District Attorneys, as well as City Attorneys and ATF agents to focus on solving murders, including gang murders and attempted murders in the South Bureau, the region of the city where the most gang-related murders occur.
Police Academy for Community Members - FREE June The Operations Central Bureau Police Academy will begin on Thursday, July 12th. This is a FREE 10 week course designed to provide the community members with an inside look at the LAPD and various facets of law enforcement. The academy is held at the Elysian Park Academy (1880 North Academy Drive, CA 90012-1001) every Thursday from 6pm to 9pm. There is no physical activity involved other that walking to the classrooms and there is no charge. During the ten week academy students will be introduced to police operations, participate in firearms safety demonstrations, tour air support and communications divisions. During the last week students will be able to use our training simulator. This equipment simulates shooting, use of force and also no-shoot situations and exposes the public to how quick officers have to make life and death decisions.
Update on Skid Row June Chief Bratton recently addressed some of the positive changes made in the Skid Row area of Downtown as a direct result of the Safer Cities Initiatives. On September 17th 2006, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmembers Jan Perry and Jose Huizar backed the Safer Cities Initiative. 50 additional officers were added to patrol Central area and in particular a five block area of Skid Row. The Safer City Initiative in an unprecedented partnership between the Mayor's office, the LAPD, City Attorney, LA County District Attorney, City Council and non-governmental entities. As of May 22, 2007, in the eight months since the Safer Cities kick-off, part 1 crime in the Skid Row area has gone down 35%. During the same eight-month period preceding the Safer City Initiative crime dropped only 5%. Homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, auto thefts and other types of crimes are all down. Since January 1, 2007, there have been no homicides in Central Area, compared to one the same period last year.
56 indicted in ICE operation targeting foreign national gang members June Total of 124 gangsters taken off the street - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested six foreign nationals with ties to violent street gangs in the Southland during the past week, the latest actions in an ongoing ICE operation that has resulted in the arrest of 124 gang members in the last three months. Of the foreign nationals indicted in connection with the ICE investigation, 36 are in custody at this time.  The other 20 remain at large and are actively being sought.  At a news conference this morning, representatives from the United States Attorney's Office and ICE unveiled wanted posters featuring two of those fugitives.  They include Gerber Antonio Oliva-Diaz, 39, a reputed member of the Florencia 13 gang who has prior arrests for murder, kidnapping to commit robbery, grand theft auto, and burglary.  In addition, Oliva-Diaz has also been charged 17 times for possession of a controlled substance.
DHS Sponsors Fourth Annual National Preparedness Month June The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will sponsor the fourth annual National Preparedness Month this September and encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year's effort has a growing coalition of more than 625 national, regional, state, and local organizations pledging support. “It is vital that Americans take steps to prepare for emergencies at home, work or school,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Personal preparedness is paramount to effectively reacting to the effects of a disaster. By preparing yourself, your family, and your businesses, you allow first responders to prioritize efforts and aid.” For the first time, the month will focus on different four different areas of emergency preparedness.
Investigations of MacArthur Park Incident May This Fact Sheet provides a synopsis of the four different investigations that are being conducted by the LAPD as well as the independent investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in response to the incident that occurred at MacArthur Park on May 1, 2007. -- 1) After Action Report, 2) Investigation by the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB), 3) Inspector General (IG) Report and Investigation, 4) Investigation by the Counterterrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CTCIB), 5) Investigation by the FBI
Chief Bratton Briefs Media on MacArthur Park May LAPD Press Release . Police Chief William Bratton today provided members of the media with the following comments regarding a confrontation with police that happened recently in MacArthur Park: "In my capacity as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, I want to assure the public we all serve, the political leadership of the City, the media, and the men and women of the Department, that the Department, in conformity with the Consent Decree, our policies and procedures, and guidance from the Police Commission, will conduct comprehensive, detailed investigations into the unfortunate events that occurred in MacArthur Park yesterday, at the conclusion of what had been a series of peaceful marches, demonstrations, and rallies by tens of thousands of participants.
Ham Radio Mentoring - Classes through LA Fire Department May LAFD's Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) has finalized the Mentoring schedule. Courses will be open to ACS, CERT and Community members, as well as sworn firefighters interested in getting their FCC Ham radio operator license. Exam Prep courses are designed with flexibility in mind, so that enrollees may do home study on weeks where they can't make it to the Station for test prep. The Technician Class license prep course, to be held at Los Angeles Fire Station No. 88 on Saturday mornings during May & June, is great for sworn LAFD staff, improving their skill set. Firefighters on strike teams have used Ham frequencies to be able to get themselves out of a "pickle" while working brush fires. The Technician is the first "level" of FCC licensing and is a prerequisite to sitting for the General Class license. There is a third class called Amateur Extra too.
Help save the CERT Program May from Greig Smith . I need your help. I am calling on you as individuals and as groups to write my fellow Councilmembers and the Mayor and urge them to continue CERT funding, and send copies to my office. In this tough budget year, with cuts in virtually every department, the proposed 2007/2008 City Budget eliminated funding for any future trainings for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. I am fighting to save this program and I need your help. This is a call to action to save this tremendously valuable program. As you know, CERT can save lives and vastly bolsters our response capabilities by training residents to safely and quickly help themselves, their families and their neighbors, and assist emergency responders during disasters.
LANI's 5th Annual Event - All FREE !! May The Los Angeles Neighborhood's Initiative's 5th Annual Community Forum will take place May 17th at USC. Everyone is invited to this FREE event where Los Angeles area leaders, community stakeholders and residents come together to gain tools and discuss ways to revitalize their communities! City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo will deliver the Welcome Address, and Huell Howser, producer and host of “California's Gold with Huell Howser” will be our keynote speaker! FREE PARKING! Registration can be done online.
LAFD_ALERT - help beta-test a new Fire Dept project April from the LA Fire Dept -- LAFD_ALERT will inform people like you about breaking news and major 'in-progress' events being handled by the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. As such, the LAFD_ALERT system will complement the 'after-action' reports you are currently - and will continue to receive (or view on-line). What are LAFD_ALERT messages? LAFD_ALERT provides you with the same 'breaking news' advisories we send directly to the news media and allied agencies when significant events are 'in-progress.' Because LAFD_ALERT messages can be sent to any internet addressable device (such as your cell phone or PDA that uses an e-mail address), you can receive an LAFD_ALERT anywhere you choose, including your computer.
Chief Bratton Requests Second Term - Public Meeting April PUBLIC MEETING - April 30th ..Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton submitted his letter to the Board of Police Commissioners requesting his reappointment to a second five-year term. Pursuant to the Los Angeles City Charter, the Police Commission now has until July 27, 2007, to either approve or deny Chief Bratton*s request. Input from the public is an essential element for the most comprehensive review of Chief Bratton*s service to the City of Los Angeles.  In this connection, the Police Commission is inviting community members to participate in a public hearing to share their thoughts on Chief Bratton*s proposed second term.
Public Safety Campaign Kicked-Off in Valley April by Wendy Greuel ..With the dramatic rise in gang violence in the San Fernando Valley, we need to take proactive steps to keep our neighborhoods safe.  Last month we took definitive action toward cleaning up our streets by standing together to declare a war against graffiti in Council District 2. At a public safety forum I hosted with the LAPD and the LAUSD, Deputy Chief Michel Moore outlined the "Broken Windows" method of fighting crime, which suggests that in order to prevent violent crimes we must also crack down on petty crimes like graffiti.  Mattresses illegally dumped in a back alley, tags covering the sidewalk in front of a new business or a window left un-repaired, all contribute to a feeling of lawlessness and permissibility in our neighborhoods.  Deputy Chief Moore reminded us that the best defense against this potential decline in neighborhood safety is an engaged and active community.
Police Academy for Community Members - FREE April The Operations Central Bureau Police Academy will begin on Thursday, April 19th. This is a FREE 10 week course designed to provide the community members with an inside look at the LAPD and various facets of law enforcement. The academy is held at the Elysian Park Academy (1880 North Academy Drive, CA 90012-1001) every Thursday from 6pm to 9pm. There is no physical activity involved other that walking to the classrooms and there is no charge. During the ten week academy students will be introduced to police operations, participate in firearms safety demonstrations, tour air support and communications divisions. During the last week students will be able to use our training simulator. This equipment simulates shooting, use of force and also no-shoot situations and exposes the public to how quick officers have to make life and death decisions.
Controller Laura Chick Audits LAPD March Finds Police Financial Functions “Stuck in the 1950’s” . Releasing an audit with a whopping 52 recommendations, City Controller Laura Chick is calling for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Fiscal Operations Division to be reorganized. “My audit of the LAPD’s Fiscal Operations Division reveals an LAPD whose business functions are stuck in the 1950’s. These operations must be completely overhauled in organizational structure, technology, internal controls and accountability,” said City Controller Laura Chick. " ...this would allow the LAPD to prioritize effective fiscal management and free up field personnel to prevent and fight crime in our community,”
LAFD - 10 Tips About Poison Control March 10 Tips To Keep You Out Of The ER - by Brian Humphrey, LAFD . Did you know that each year, more than two million poisonings are reported to our the nation's Poison Control Centers? That's one every 13 seconds! If you think that poisonings only happen to those with kids or someone else, please think again. Accidental poisonings are the second-leading cause of home injury death, and those of all ages are at risk. What do you do? When someone in Los Angeles is unconscious, not alert or has difficulty breathing, we trust your first call will be to 9-1-1 for the immediate light-and-siren response of trained rescuers.
Free online WMD classes March The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is part of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pilot program to bring awareness and provide training about the unique challenges and environments that all of us would face in providing essential human services during a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) event, and how such an event would differ from a natural disaster response. Thirty metro areas across the country were selected to participate in this program, including Los Angeles. The training program consists of six web-based courses, each focusing on a specific aspect of the human services response during a disaster.
Beloved Search Dog 'Bella' Dies at 14 March In every sense of the word, a 'wonder dog' - by Brian Humphrey, LAFD . It is with a heavy heart that we share word that Bella, the 14-year- old Border Collie nicknamed "the wonder dog' - who proudly responded with her LAFD handler Deresa Teller on scores of high profile search and rescue assignments, has died from natural causes in Los Angeles. Possibly the most renowned search canine in our nation's history, Bella was deployed with to the Oklahoma City bombing, World Trade Center attacks and countless other official assignments. Bella remains one of the few canines to have attained certification in wilderness search, disaster rescue and cadaver recovery.
LA Times Homicide Report March New from the LA Times website: "Welcome to the Homicide Report, The Times' inaugural effort to chronicle every homicide that occurs in Los Angeles County. The Homicide Report is continually updated; comprehensive lists of victims are posted weekly." .. a service of the LA Times ..
National Sex Offender Registry Feb www.familywatchdog.us  -  When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as a small icon of a house.  There may be red, blue and green dots surrounding your entire neighborhood.  When you click on these dots a picture of a criminal will appear with his or her home address and the description of the crime he or she has committed. The best thing is that you can show your children these pictures and see how close these people live to your home or school. The site was developed by John Walsh from America's Most Wanted. 
City launces whistle-blower hotline Feb Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick has launched a 24-hour, confidential fraud hotline. Hoping to encourage more whistle-blowing by city employees and residents, Chick promised that her Waste and Fraud Unit would investigate all "legitimate and valid" complaints of unethical or illegal activity reported over the hotline's toll-free telephone number: (866) 428-1514.  "Confidentiality absolutely is protected," she said. "Too often, people don't know where to go when they have a problem. Now, people who have information or concerns to bring forward will have a place to go."   All legitimate telephone tips will be checked out.
2007 Gang Enforcement Initiatives Feb Working to combat a rise in gang violence in Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Chief William Bratton released a citywide gang suppression plan to target the worst offenders and the most violent street gangs. The gang suppression plan is the first step in Mayor Villaraigosa’s anti-gang strategy, which will be the most comprehensive and coordinated effort the City of Los Angeles has undertaken by linking federal, state and local law enforcement agency efforts along with intervention and prevention initiatives. "We are mounting a coordinated, aggressive suppression strategy that targets the worst offenders and the most violent gangs, and we are coming at them with everything we have," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "The suppression strategy is unprecedented in its scope and its level of coordination with other law enforcement agencies." Although overall crime is down in LA for the fifth straight year, gang crime rose by 14% in 2006. In the San Fernando Valley alone, gang crime is up by more than 43% overall, and in the area covered by the Mission Community Police Station gang crime in up by nearly 160%. Violent street gangs are responsible for a majority of the murders and nearly 70% of the shootings in the City.
Global Incident Map Jan There is a lot happening in our world every minute. This "global Incident map" updates every 30 seconds. Click on any icon for text expnations and updated information.  It's not just about Terrorism - it's about everything happening every minute some place in the world of terrorism threats, explosions, airline incidents, etc. These are the things that could affect us all. Bookmark this reference!  It updates every 30 seconds!!
Gang Related Crime - Voices from Hollenbeck Jan The 2006 LAPD gang crimes statistics were not good for our police division, Hollenbeck.  Our area had the second highest number of serious gang related crimes in the city last year, and we've had a 62% increase in these crimes in the past five years.  But not once have I heard anyone discuss the CAUSE of the problem. The cause, in my opinion, is found in an analysis of why those of us who DON'T tag ... don't tag. We have a common aesthetic that we apply to those things we own. I believe we apply that aesthetic to those things that we COULD own as well. That's part of the social agreement we make to allow others to have what they have. And because we possess resources, we have a large sphere of ownership/potential ownership and control. Furthermore, we've been helped to develop that important aesthetic by our parents, our social institutions and our schools.
Crime Prevention for the 21st Century: Community Policing Jan by Arthur A. Jones . Albert Einstein supposedly said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” A prime example is the growing 21st century urban problem of street gangs, youth crime, drugs, alcohol, mental illness, and loss of social cohesion. Police agencies in many countries around the world have learned, in the two decades or more since the advent of community policing, that dependence on traditional law enforcement measures alone will never enable societies to reduce the impact of today’s complex, cross-border crime problems. In fact, modern crime prevention and public safety efforts comprise a broad spectrum of new and innovative solutions, all aimed at today’s and tomorrow’s problems. This article originally appeared in the Fulbright Commission's "Funnel Magazine."