LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Police Department Recruit Officer Graduation Ceremony for Class 6-14

Chief Beck Graduation Class 6-14

On Wednesday, November 26, 2014, Chief of Police Charlie Beck addressed the newest members of the LAPD family at Deaton Hall.  The 24 graduating officers have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks.

Chief Beck thanked family and friends in attendance for their sacrifices as they watched their loved ones work hard becoming police officers.  Chief Beck thanked the families for instilling good character in their loved ones because it is the most important quality in becoming a member of the law enforcement community.  Chief Beck closed with the promise that while the new officers protect and serve the City of Los Angeles, he will protect and serve them.

Chief Beck's News Conference Regarding Protests

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Los Angeles: Following the conclusion of the Recruit Officer Graduation Ceremony for Class 6-14, Chief Charlie Beck held a news conference outside LAPD Headquarters Building to provide media an update on what has unfolded during the protests related to the grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri, and the total number of arrest made.

 

 

Los Angeles Female Missing

Los Angeles:  The family of Dana Rico and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Rico. On November 25, 2014, at around 4:30 a.m., Ms. Rico was last seen at her residence in the 2800 block of Granville Avenue, in the city of Los Angeles.  Ms. Rico suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and her family is concerned for her welfare. Dana Rico is described as a 72-year-old Asian female, with black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighs around 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing black pants and a black jacket. If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Dana Rico, please contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Carlton at (213) 972-7859.  During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Chief Beck’s Morning News Conference

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Los Angeles: Chief Beck’s morning news conference to discuss the Ferguson decision. Joining Chief Beck is acting Mayor Councilman Herb Wesson, Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and CHP Captain Greg Hammond.

 

ATM Robbery Suspect Sought in Hollywood

Hollywood:  Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who committed a robbery at a bank ATM in the Hollywood Area.  

On October 15, 2014, around 9:10 p.m., an ATM robbery occurred at a Bank of America in the 4900 block of Melrose Ave.  The suspect approached the victim from behind, reached into his waistband and simulated a handgun.  The suspect then told the victim to give him cash or he would be shot.  The suspect took the victim’s money from the ATM and fled.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 35-years-old with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 170 to 180 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a purple Lakers baseball cap and a purple Vikings football jersey.  The suspect’s vehicle is described as a newer model, possibly 2013, red 4 door Toyota Yari.

If anyone has any additional information regarding this crime, contact Hollywood Area Robbery Detectives, Detective Eberhardt or Officer Hill at (213) 972-2955. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

In Search of the Suspect that left One Man Dead

Van Nuys:  Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who killed a
34-year-old man.

On Friday, November 21, 2014, around 1:30 a.m., Van Nuys Division patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting in the 6000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.  The victim was later identified as a 34-year-old, male African American who had suffered gunshot wounds to his body.  

The initial police investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect walked toward the front of the complex, at which time the suspect produced an unknown caliber handgun and shot the victim numerous times.  The suspect fled through the front gate of the complex and on to Sepulveda Boulevard. The motive of the shooting is unknown.

Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.  

The identity of the victim is not being released pending notification to next of kin.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Van Nuys Detectives at 818-374-0040 or 818-374-1999.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

LAPD’s Cadet Leadership Program Receives $100,000 Grant

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Cadet Leadership Program received a $100,000 annual grant from the University of Southern California (USC).

As part of USC’s long-standing commitment to support education, health, fitness, public safety and economic development, in partnership with local community organizations, USC is proud to award this grant to the Los Angeles Police Department Cadet leadership Program.  

The annual grant will expand outreach for the program that already boasts 6,000 active members ranging in age from 13-20 years old and hailing from every enclave of the city and beyond.

“The University of Southern California is proud to partner with the LAPD in helping to significantly expand this extraordinary youth enterprise to reach even more young people and their parents,” said USC President C.L. Max Nikias.  “The LAPD has a bold agenda for community outreach and youth development and their efforts are a natural pairing with the University’s community partnerships.”

For over half a century, the LAPD Cadet Leadership Program has been resolute in its promise to inspire community youth and provide them opportunities to achieve academic excellence and remain steadfast in their commitment to community service – all in the pursuit of building a more secure bridge to tomorrow.  The students in the current Cadet Academy numbers nearly 800 strong and is the largest class in the history of this storied program.  Because of this seismic growth, the demand to broaden the scope of this initiative has increased exponentially.

The Los Angeles Police Department Cadet Program is a dynamic youth-based enterprise and the Department’s signature program for community youth.  The Program has a rich heritage of reaching students from all walks of life, guiding them towards academic excellence, leadership, character development and enhancing their ability to live productive lives.

“We are pleased to count the University of Southern California as a principal partner in our campaign to provide youth with opportunities for learning and leadership.  As one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the country, USC has a strong record of supporting educational programs that strive to deliver a better future for young people by helping them channel their energies into community service, quality learning and leadership development,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international business, USC's diverse curricular offerings provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, and collaboration with leading researchers in highly advanced learning environments. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.

About the LAPD Cadet Leadership Program

The LAPD Cadet Leadership Program is designed to offer community youth the opportunity to enhance their leadership, life-skills, academic excellence and character development that will help them live productive and prosperous lives while working with one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country.  The Program is offered at each of the twenty-one LAPD community police stations across the City as well as several specialized Posts – Metropolitan Division, Communications Division, South Traffic Division and Gateway Regional located on the campus of City of Refuge Church pastored by the distinguished minister, scholar and teacher, Bishop Noel Jones.  Cadets are as diverse as the City they represent.  Although each of them hails from different backgrounds and possesses unique goals, the constant for all of them is their indelible passion to achieve scholastic merit and strong character values in their own lives and to then leverage those qualities to positively impact the communities where they live.

To learn more about the LAPD Cadet Program and also how to join, you may log on to www.LAPDCadets.com or call 213.486.0123.  You can also follow us on Twitter at @LAPD_Cadets.
 

15-Year-Old Missing Female

Los Angeles:  The family of Rosemary Sanchez and the Los Angeles Police Department 77th Area detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating her.

Rosemary Sanchez was last seen on November 7, 2014, in the area of Vermont Avenue and 50th Street, in the city of Los Angeles.  She has not been seen or heard from since.  Sanchez is in need of her medication.  Sanchez’s family is extremely concerned for her welfare.

Sanchez is described as a 15-year-old Hispanic female with black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 135 pounds.   Sanchez was last seen wearing a black sweater, black shirt, blue jeans and black vans skater shoes. 

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Rosemary Sanchez, please contact 77the Division detectives at 213-485-4175. During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

November 18, 2014 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

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After a quorum was established, Commissioner Paula Madison opened the meeting.  After a few brief comments from her and Commissioner Robert Saltzman, the meeting proceeded. 

For the Report of the Chief of Police, Chief Beck began by expressing sorrow for the victims of a recent violent attack in Jerusalem.  He stressed there were no credible threats of similar violence in Los Angeles, but the Department would increase deployment in the city’s Jewish communities as a precaution.  He went on to mention his plans to attend a funeral for an LAPD motor officer who died of medical complications.  Chief Beck added that 2014 had become a troubling year for deaths of police officers, as this would be the tenth such loss.  Finally, he discussed significant changes in Department administrative personnel before closing his report with the most up-to-date crime statistics. After his report, Commission President Steve Soboroff asked Chief Beck to comment on the upcoming Grand Jury decision relating to the Ferguson, Missouri incident, as well as a recent ballot issue voters passed that will release a large number of prisoners by reducing their charges from felonies to misdemeanors.  Accordingly, Chief Beck addressed these topics.

For the Report of the Executive Director, Executive Director Richard Tefank mentioned there would be only three commission meetings for the remainder of 2014, with no meetings on December 2, 23 and 30.

Consent Agenda Items proceeded with several public comments preceding commission approval.  After the comments, all items were approved. 

Regular Agenda Items then ensued with 10 items as follows:

Item E, the Executive Director’s Report, dated November 7, 2014, relative to the Official Police Garage Towing and Storage Rates for 2015, as set forth, was approved.

Item F, the Department’s Report, dated November 14, 2014, relative to the sixth amendment to contract #C-114355 with Motorola Solutions, Inc., as set forth, was approved.

Item G, the Department’s Report, dated November 3, 2014, relative to the request for payment of a reward offer on City Council File #11-0010-S20, as set forth, was approved.

Item H, the Department’s Report, dated November 5, 2014, relative to the Operations- Central Bureau Vice Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID #14-053), as set forth, was approved.

The remaining six items (Items A through D and Items I and J) were verbal presentations or reports that commenced immediately with Item A, an overview focusing on the Pacific Area Community Police Advisory Board’s efforts for problem solving, crime strategies and related programs and goals. Pacific Area Commanding Officer Brian Johnson led the presentation.

Item B followed with a presentation about the city’s Domestic Violence Task Force.  Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese led the discussion and was assisted by representatives from the Office of the Mayor and the City Attorney’s Office.

The third presentation (Item C) was a report about the current status of Special Order No. 7 relative to Law Enforcement Agency Endorsement for Immigrant Victims of Human Trafficking and other Special Crimes Against Persons.  Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese also led this discussion.

Item D was the fourth presentation.  It concerned a departmental report dated November 14, 2014, relative to the report entitled “Perspectives on the Disciplinary System: Insights from the Men and Women of the LAPD.”  The Christopher Dorner manifesto instigated the report, which Chief Beck took very seriously.  Arif Alikhan, the Department’s Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing, and Deputy Chief Debra McCarthy, Commanding Officer of the LAPD Professional Standards Bureau led the discussion with assistance from Chief Beck.  Topics of the report included officer morale, fair treatment of personnel in connection with disciplinary procedures, recommendations for improvement and more.  After discussion, the commission approved the report with the stipulation for a follow-up in 60 days.

The fifth presentation (Item I) was about a departmental report dated November 12, 2014, relative to the case prioritization enhancement to the personnel complaint investigation and adjudication process.  Deputy Chief McCarthy and Special Assistant Alikhan also led this discussion with assistance from Stuart Maislin, Commanding Officer of LAPD Internal Affairs.  The commission subsequently approved the report.

The final presentation was Item J, about a departmental report dated November 14, 2014, relative to the biased policing update for the 3^rd Quarter Report.  Commanding Officer Stuart Maislin once again led the discussion, and the commission approved the report.    

Elderly Man Missing from LAX

Los Angeles:  The family of Walter Wenko and Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Wenko.

On November 17, 2014, after disembarking from an Evergreen International Airlines flight, Mr. Wenko was last seen leaving the Customs area.  His family is concerned that he has not returned home and Mr. Wenko may be in need of medical attention.

Walter Wenko is described as a 70-year-old White male, with black and white hair and blue eyes.  He stands 6 feet tall, and weighs around 130 pounds.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Walter Wenko, please contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective: 213-972-7859.  During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.