LAPD Blog

56-Year-Old Man Inside Boom Lift Basket Dies after Being Struck by Bus

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Traffic Division detectives are investigating a traffic collision that left a man dead.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014, around 3:25 a.m., a Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) passenger bus collided with a boom lift. The collision occurred at the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Wright Street in Central Area. The contact between the bus and the boom lift caused the unsecured operator to fall to the pavement.

According to detectives the operator of a 120 foot boom lift was maneuvering from Venice Boulevard onto Wright Street when he was struck by the bus traveling westbound on Venice Boulevard. The operator was inside the lift basket which was around 11 feet above the ground.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the 56-year-old lift operator to a local hospital with severe head trauma. He died a short time later from his injuries.

The identity of the operator has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective s at (213) 833-3713, or Detective F. Padilla at (213) 486-0753.  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 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.

 

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March 2011 COP Message

At the beginning of the year, I sat down for well over an hour with officers in the roll call room at Hollywood station.  The experience brought back some great memories from my days in roll call. More importantly, I was very pleased with the candor of everyone present.  It was a great opportunity for open dialogue, to dispel rumors and to provide insight as to how and why recent changes in systems of this organization are made, while sharing a cup of coffee with you. For those who couldn’t be there, we talked about everything from Financial Disclosure forms, to promotions to training and many other important concerns.

To date, a substantial number of officers have signed a Financial Disclosure.  Whether or not to sign is a personal decision and one that I know is not made lightly.  I want to thank those officers who have signed Financial Disclosures for your commitment to staff these important positions. I also want to thank those that have chosen not to sign for the outstanding job you did while assigned to these positions in reducing crime.  I am confident all of you will continue to work together in the future to make Los Angeles the safest city in America.

Much of our discussion involved budget problems.  As you all know, the current budget situation makes it tough for me to implement some great ideas you’ve suggested to make your work much more efficient.  For example, one officer asked about telephonic reports and electronic DFARs and reports, both of which clearly make sense. Sadly, with civilian staffing levels severely impacted by furloughs and the lack of funding and technology to integrate with our current systems, going paperless is just too difficult to implement under current conditions.  But, I’m not giving up on this great idea.  This is a long term project that I will support, as it is a means getting you back out onto the streets a lot faster.  But we cannot do this without our civilian workforce fully staffed.  I’m looking forward to the day we can refill those critical civilian positions which all of us understand are vital to our ability to properly serve the city.

A few other issues we discussed at the Hollywood Area roll call: 

•    While I am still looking for ways to streamline the booking process to get officers released faster, (especially when arrestees need medical treatment), forced furloughs of our detention officers limit any ideas that would include additional jail staffing.
•    We are researching the impact of the educational requirement for promotional exams.  I will continue to support programs that assist you in earning college credits.
•    As a few of you have suggested ways the Department can generate revenue by charging violators for “Fix it” tickets, my staff is currently looking into this and researching the pros and cons of taking this on.
•    We are looking into expanding the list of approved firearms for both off duty and back up carry (.380 pistols: the Ruger LCP and the S&W Bodyguard) in addition to testing new primary duty weapons (Springfield Model XDM .40 caliber, S&W Model M&P .40 caliber, or the Glock Gen 4 Model 22 .40 Caliber).
•    The question about future training for FTO, Vice and Narco schools was posed.  As of this writing, a modified training schedule for these schools will continue as calendared for 2011.  Please check the Training Notices section on the LANs for upcoming schools and training or contact the Training Coordination and Detective Training Units.


I appreciate very much the suggestions and ideas I got at Hollywood and the many others I receive from officers as I read my email (and I read every one), visit with officers on the street and work the occasional patrol shift. Your ideas do not fall on deaf ears by any means. However, in the best of times I could not implement overnight every good idea I hear.  In today’s budgetary climate, it’s even tougher to move forward.  But I’m not discouraged. And I hope you aren’t either.  Please keep those ideas coming and know we will move on them as quickly as we can.

Good Bye, Bill

By the time you read this message, I will have visited Van Nuys’ station as my second stop for my monthly coffee chat with you in roll call.  I would be remiss if I did not express my heartfelt empathy for Captain Bill Eaton’s family and friends.  Last month I asked you to keep Bill in your prayers as he was battling cancer.  Despite giving it his all, Bill lost the fight and passed away on January 13, 2011.  Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers as they, like all of us, are mourning his loss.  Many of us men and women in blue were fortunate to have called him a friend and became part of his extended family.  Bill was a great man and truly deserving of the special tribute to his life recently aired on an episode of the television show “Southland”.  May his memory live on through the selfless work you do every day.

DECEMBER 2010 COP MESSAGE

Oftentimes the holiday season is a time of reflection, stimulating the good memories of what we endured throughout the year.  We reflect not only on the successes and milestones we’ve shared as a Department and in our own personal lives, but the challenges as well.  In this message, I recognize some of our accomplishments and milestones, but notably wish to honor those who are actively serving in our Armed Forces as well as the members of the LAPD family we lost this year. 

While we have faced some challenging times, there is still so much to be proud of.  Even during the tough times, faced with budget cuts, furloughs, and doing more with less, you continue to keep crime down.  We accomplished this together as one resilient workforce to accomplish the mission that we all signed up for when we joined the Department.  As public servants, there is nothing more gratifying than knowing you are making a difference.  In an era where exceptional customer service excellence has virtually disappeared from some professions, the work ethic that each and every one of you demonstrate should be held up as an example for others to try to emulate. 

The year 2010 marks the centennial celebration of women in policing in the LAPD.  We had the eyes of the nation on us during the Lakers victory celebration and through relentless and unprecedented investigative work, identified and arrested those who celebrated unlawfully in our City.  We also identified a serial killer, the “Grim Sleeper”, and put him behind bars, giving the many families of the victims a sense of closure and peace of mind.  We celebrated the one year anniversary of our new home at the Police Administration Building and we integrated 21^st century technology into our units by adding digital in-car video surveillance systems.  Our critical incident training methods remained cutting edge with the unveiling of the “HYDRA” Simulation System, the first of its kind in the United States. 

But let us not forget the families of those 39 Los Angeles Police Department employees that continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  Unfortunately, the sad reality is that we have come together far too many times to recognize the fallen men and women of this Department.   I am saddened that we lost two of our own as they proudly served their country under the most dangerous of circumstances. The memories of Officers “RJ” Cottle and Joshua Cullins will live forever in our hearts as we honor them for their extraordinary sacrifices.  We are justly proud of them and their families, for the lasting contributions they have made. 

For the officers currently serving in active duty, please keep them close to your heart, as we look forward to their speedy and safe return:

 David Anaya, Serial No. 40012, U.S. Army

Erick Barrera, Serial No. 33707, U.S. Marines

Christopher Bellah, Serial No. 39478, U.S. Marines

Thomas Bojorquez, Serial No. 30872, U.S. Army

Christine Bulicz, Serial No. 34690, U.S. Army

David Christensen, Serial No. 38558, U.S. Marines

Brendan Flynn, Serial No. 38496, U. S. Marines

Richard Gadsby, Serial No. 31981, U.S. National Guard

Craig Garcia, Serial No. 40032, U.S. National Guard

David Gonzalez, Serial No. 39760, U.S. Army

Benjamin Hetzler, Serial No. 35160, U.S. Navy

Loma Holland, Serial No. 30394, U.S. Navy

Manuel Huezo, Serial No. 33990, U.S. Coast Guard

Marjorie Israel, Serial No. 38486, U.S. Air Force

Eric Jimenez, Serial No. 39222, U.S. Army

Michael Johnson, Serial No. 31570, U.S. Army

John Kim, Serial No. 31739, U.S. Army

Jonathan Kirkpatrick, Serial No. 33335, U.S. Marines

August Lopez, Serial No. 38285, U.S. Army

Cao Luu, Serial No. 36822, U.S. Army

Kevin Marshall, Serial No. 38399, U.S. Army

Greg McManus, Serial No. 33931, U.S. Marines

Daniel Medina, Serial No. 39453, U.S. Army

Joseph Mueller, Serial No. 21213, U.S. Marines

Joe Olivares, Serial No. 39658, U.S. Marines

Ryan Powell, Serial No. 35570, U.S. Marines

Sonia Rodriguez, Serial No. 38964, U.S. Army

Michael Rodriguez, Serial No. 30566, U.S. Marines

Gina Roh, Serial No. 39516, U.S. National Guard

John Seffel, Serial No. 35330, U.S. National Guard

Sonia Sigler, Serial No. 32904, U.S. Navy

Ryan Stogner, Serial No. 38373, U.S. Marines

Rigoberto Torres, Serial No. 39788, U.S. Marines

Ruben Vargas, Serial No. 38825, U.S. Marines

Michael Watson, Serial No. 34309, U. S. Marines

Ryan White, Serial No. 34506, U. S. Marines

Robert White, Serial No. 32998, U. S. Army

Roy Yoo, Serial No. 39248, U.S. Army

This year we endured the heartache of having to say goodbye to other members of our LAPD family who passed away.

 Police Officer II Ray Robinson, Serial No.27156                      End of Watch – 01/21/10

Detective (Retired) John Rodriguez, Serial No. 21343   End of Watch – 01/27/10

Police Officer II Jaqueline Montalvo, Serial No. 35357             End of Watch – 02/25/10

Property Officer Ryan Farhand, Serial No. N4027                    End of Watch – 03/11/10

Police Officer III+1 Robert “RJ” Cottle, Serial No. 27922        End of Watch – 03/24/10

Reserve Police Officer Patrick Beighley, Serial No. R6131        End of Watch – 04/15/10

Chief of Police (Retired) Daryl F. Gates, Serial No. 6432          End of Watch – 04/16/10

Sergeant II Frank Mika, Serial No. 14234                                End of Watch – 05/29/10

Secretary Patricia Clemons, Serial No. M9076                         End of Watch – 06/03/10

Specialist Reserve Bernard Cron, Serial No. R0975                  End of Watch – 07/20/10

Detective I Walter Boyle, Serial No. 35990                              End of Watch – 07/23/10

Garage Attendant Derrick Winters, Serial No. E8070   End of Watch – 08/19/10

Specialist Reserve Ken Gerston, Serial No. R3024                   End of Watch – 09/01/10

Senior Clerk Typist Adrianna Rodriguez, Serial No. E9806       End of Watch – 09/01/10

Police Officer II Dennis Duran, Serial No. 24647                      End of Watch – 10/18/10

Police Officer II Joshua Cullins, Serial No. 39542                     End of Watch – 10/19/10

Reserve Specialist Officer Paul Shin, Serial No. R5003 End of Watch – 10/29/10

 Together We Can…

 Please take the time to reflect on your own lives and renew your own commitments to each other and the causes you believe in. You may not have to look far, as you look for opportunities to give thanks and help those who need it most.  Each one of us has the ability to make the holidays brighter for our co-workers as well as the families in the communities we serve.    

 As we say goodbye to 2010, I want to thank each and every one of you for the ongoing and exceptional service you provide each day.  This Department is special because of each and every one its employees.  I am extremely humbled after having served as your Chief for the past year and I commit to you that I will continue to keep you involved by creating opportunities for you to voice your suggestions and concerns through meetings, personal emails and while working patrol.  This is YOUR Department and will only be as successful as you are. 

This year we welcomed Mrs. Cecilia Glassman, as the new President of the Los Angeles Police Foundation, who traditionally hosts the annual LAPD holiday party.  Please join us as we celebrate this holiday season on Saturday, December 18th at the Los Angeles Downtown Marriott Hotel.  On behalf of the men and women of this Department, we express sincere gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable work of the Foundation.  Another special event I proudly recognize our employees is the annual Holiday Assembly on December 16^th at 1030 a.m., in the Deaton Hall Auditorium.  This year’s Assembly will have a new theme and a few other surprises, so please check the infoweb for more details.  I look forward to seeing you there.

 From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, healthy and joyous holiday season.

November COP message 2010

IACP

Every year since 1893 chiefs of police from around the world gather for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference.  The conference provides an opportunity to attend the largest law enforcement expo, the best training available, where the largest group of law enforcement executives gather to exchange ideas and share lessons learned. This year, I am proud we had several members of our Department invited to be guest speakers in Orlando, Florida.  They were outstanding representatives of our Department as they presented their areas of expertise, to share and exchange best practices with other law enforcement agencies.  Our presenters consisted of personnel from Behavioral Science Services, Metropolitan Division, Counter Terrorism & Special Operations Bureau, Information Technology Bureau and our Public Information Office.  I thank each and every one of you for your efforts in maintaining the reputation of excellence and building upon the concept of inclusivity with our law enforcement partners around the world.      

Digital In-Car Video

In continuing to provide you with the best resources to help you in your job in the field we have rolled out the Digital In-Car Video System (DICVS).  The system is a powerful tool now available to the Department that I believe contributes significantly to officer safety.  During the implementation phase of the in-car video system, we have already experienced the value and effectiveness in providing evidence for criminal prosecutions and resolving personnel complaints.  This tool also gives us an opportunity to foster positive relations with the community as well as the media, as it will capture the good work, the men and women of this Department do on a daily basis. 

 The Department has deployed the Digital In-Car Video System within all five South Bureau Divisions: Southeast Area, 77^th Area, Southwest Area, Harbor Area and South Traffic Division. This includes deployment in approximately 300 patrol vehicles.

 As of September 29, 2010 South Bureau officers have uploaded 53,711 videos totaling 11,162 hours of recordings Department computers are configured so that officers involved in an incident in which their in-car video was activated may view the footage when preparing their respective reports.  All supervisors also have access to view in-car video footage for purposes of completing investigations, conducting inspections or to assist with training.

 It is the goal of the Department to eventually deploy the Digital In-Car Video System throughout all four geographical bureaus, but due to current budgetary issues, the system will be deployed only in Operations- South Bureau.  Operations- Central Bureau will follow, once funding becomes available.

“Together We Can”…

After the recent officer involved shooting in Rampart on September 5, many of you were verbally abused and faced offensive taunts and slurs.  While it has been a difficult time, I want to thank you for your professionalism and commitment to continuing to police constitutionally and compassionately. We will fight through this together and I will continue to stand with you, not only during the good times, but also during the challenging times, when your acts of heroism may be questioned.  As LAPD officers, we have a rewarding, but oftentimes dangerous job.  It is unfortunate that instances must be sensationalized for some to recognize just how dangerous it is.  Please remember; it is my primary mission to do all I can to keep you safe and give you the necessary tools to do your jobs.  I know the expectations are high.  Every day you put on your badge, you are expected to do extraordinary things no matter what the circumstances, whether at the scene of traffic accident, a neighbor dispute, or a shooting.  It is my commitment to you, that in turn I will support you.  You also need to know you are supported by your supervisors, the Department and most importantly, the communities in which you serve.  We cannot do this alone, but together we can.  We will get through this and in the end, will have created valuable partnerships with those in our Rampart community.   

 When I became Chief I set five goals for the Department.  Employee Wellness is one of my top goals and I know I have spoken to you about this before.  However, I believe it is a topic we should have ongoing discussions about, specifically how to maintain and improve our well being.  After serious and honest conversations with you I know many of you are frustrated right now and I think I know why.  Financial growth and professional advancement are currently stunted.  The Department has had to adapt to these very tough economic times, creating challenges that affects everyone.  In your household many of your loved ones are facing financial difficulties because of furloughs and no cash overtime.  Many of your families have gone from two incomes to one.  Some of you have bills that were predicated on past salaries and now struggle to meet those expenses.  There are resources available and I encourage you to utilize them.  But remember, the single most important thing we can do is to be there for each other, respect each other and keep in mind that each one of us has challenges at home and at work.  Our greatest strength is what we accomplish together.  More than ever we really need to come together as a family to support each other and not fall apart.  Sworn personnel have emotionally supported civilians since they began furloughs.  As a small token of appreciation, last month the sworn members of our Department recognized our civilian brothers and sisters for all of the sacrifice they have made through the various bureau and divisional BBQs.  This small display of gratitude should continue in the coming days and months.  We still have difficult budgetary times ahead and must continue to work together to make it through them. 

 Here’s the latest on the various projects in the works that have been initiated as a direct result of your inquiries and suggestions: 

• A Special Order is in the final stages of the approval process to clarify the Confidential Financial Disclosure process.  This Special Order will address your frequently asked questions and will put pen to paper what I’ve stated in roll calls and in my video messages.
• We are looking at integrating SID latent print tracking into DCTS.
• Many of you have made suggestions on how to generate revenue for the Department; for example charging violators for correctable vehicle code violations, which I will look at.
• In an effort to create more paperless reports and forms available to you, we are looking at the feasibility of submitting electronic Probable Cause Declarations

Chief of Police Message - October 2010

Civilian Appreciation

When you walk into any LAPD facility, there is a clear visible sign that reads ‘police.’ For visitors and people unfamiliar with law enforcement, it would be easy to dismiss that civilian staff also work, share and make up the Police Department.

Civilians exist at all levels in our Department. Every LAPD success story is made possible due to the significant force of our talented civilian staff. Intended to prevent layoffs, some civilians had to undergo one furlough day per pay period, as others had several hours deducted from their pay. Civilians had to prepare for one year of furloughs, but as the City’s financial crisis has not been resolved, civilians have begun a second year of financial sacrifice. With fewer hours in the office and an always increasing workload, civilians continue to demonstrate the highest level of commitment and strong work ethic.

For many civilians this has caused a lot of stress and difficult times at home. In shared sacrifice during these difficult times, I stand in solidarity with our civilian staff and have taken a voluntary10% pay cut.

I want to thank each and every civilian Department employee for all you do, which is why this October the Department will celebrate civilian employee appreciation week with events at each Bureau and PAB.

The LAPD has always been a family and it is extremely important we recognize our civilian staff. Please refer to the LAN for event details.

A woman who serves as inspiration to all is Ms. Marlene Greenfield.  Ms Greenfield is the most senior civilian member of the LAPD as she served the men and women of this Department for six decades. Ms. Greenfield started working for the City in May 1950 and ended her career at Pacific Division as a Principle Clerk Police II on July 31, 2010. Throughout her 60 years she has remained a dedicated and loyal professional, earning the esteem and gratitude of the men and women of the LAPD.


Financial Disclosure

When I became your Chief, I asked one very important thing of you, to always do the right thing. By doing the right thing, you earn trust. Now I ask you to trust what I am going to tell you about an issue that is of concern to many of you; financial disclosure. I want to set the record straight and dispel rumors floating around that are simply not true.

The City of Los Angeles agreed to the Federal Consent Decree mandates that the Department require regular and periodic financial disclosures by all officers who routinely handle valuable contraband or cash. The financial disclosure requirement was instituted to serve as a tool to assist in the prevention of police corruption. If the Department does not comply with the financial disclosure process, we will most likely be back under a Federal Consent Decree.

Officers at the rank of lieutenant or below assigned to a Gang Impact Team, Gang Enforcement Detail, Community Law Enforcement and Recovery Unit, Narcotics Division, and Narcotics Enforcement Detail must complete and submit an updated financial disclosure every two years after completing their initial confidential disclosure. As of March 29th, 2011, anyone assigned to any of those details will have to complete the financial disclosure.

I worked Southeast CRASH as a cop and a supervisor for five years.  Working CRASH was probably some of the best times of my career.  The financial disclosure should not be the cause of you not achieving what I had as a young P2.

The financial disclosure process is fairly easy:

Make an appointment with the Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator to review the completed financial disclosure documents. The Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator will review the documents for financial stability.  Basically evaluating whether the financial picture makes sense.

The Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator will accept the financial disclosure and provide you with a receipt that documents the date and time your financial disclosure was submitted to Internal Audits and Inspections Division. If you would like to pick up the original financial disclosure, you should indicate on the receipt the date and time you would like to pick it up (within 7 days). Otherwise the original will be destroyed (shredded) after it is scanned onto a CD-Rom.

The Commanding Officer of Internal Audits and Inspections Division reviews and approves the financial disclosure. The Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing then reviews and approves the financial disclosure and gives the Chief a recommendation for approval. I will make the final determination as to whether you are eligible to be selected into the unit.

Once the financial disclosure is approved, it is secured in my office.  Only three people have access to the financial disclosures (myself, and the aide’s who report directly to me, currently a Sergeant II and a Detective III.)

The information on the financial disclosure is self reported. There is no specific information, just general financial information. There are NO social security numbers, bank account numbers, etc. The only number on the form is your serial number. All financial numbers are estimates.  We recognize that these are tough economic times, so we look at the big picture.

The financial disclosure process is audited by the Office of the Inspector General. On March 18, 2010 the Office of the Inspector General conducted an audit of the financial disclosure process and all five audit objectives were 100 percent compliant. That includes one very important objective that determined the financial disclosures were appropriately locked and secured in my office.

According to Special Order No 20, Internal Audits and Inspections Division will randomly select officers for an annual audit and will be required to provide a self-generated credit report. If the officer does not comply with the audit, there is no corrective action. However, the officer shall be removed from the unit immediately; and there is no guarantee for retention of pay-grade advancement when the officer is removed from the unit. The Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator will not retain the credit report or any copies. All documents provided to the Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator at the time of the audit meeting will be returned to the officer.

If discrepancies are found during the audit, the Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator will discuss the discrepancies with the officer who may be able to provide additional information to resolve the concern. I will make the final determination as to whether an officer is de-selected from the process. There will be no corrective action for any identified discrepancies. It’s comparable to the Polygraph, if you do not pass, there is NO corrective action.

I completed the financial disclosure as have many of my staff officers.  To end the Consent Decree, we promised that this program would be followed through until at least 2012. Just as in life, when you promise something, you follow through. I intend to follow through with this promise. There will be no circumventing the process.

If individuals in these specialized units elect not to complete the financial disclosure, we will just have a lot more officers in patrol or detectives working area tables. We will not try to circumvent this agreement.

The gang and narcotic units play a major role in reducing crime in our city. Decide on your own whether or not you will complete the financial disclosure. Do not let someone else pressure you into making a decision. There will always be peer pressure. I hope that you make the decision that is right for you, and one that does not let all your hard work be in vain.

Myths and Rumors about Financial Disclosure

      • Are social security numbers on the disclosure? NO

      • Are bank account numbers on the disclosure? NO

      • Do I need to include my pension or deferred
        compensation information? NO

      • Is my personal address on the disclosure? NO

      • How often do I have to update the information? Every two years per Special Order #20, as long as you are in an applicable assignment.

      • Is this information discoverable via pitches motion?  A judge has to find that the financial information is pertinent to the charges. The information on the form is too general to be worthy of disclosure. If the financial information is requested via pitches motion, we will fight to protect your financial information. In reality, you can find much more information on a “Google” or a public database search of yourself.

       • Is the financial disclosure attached to my personnel file?  NO, the financial disclosure is kept locked in my office.

       • Does my spouse’s personal assets have to be disclosed?  NO, only if the assets are jointly owned.

       • Do I have to disclose my spouse’s income? NO

       • If officers do not comply with an audit, will there be corrective action? NO, however, the officer shall be immediately removed from the GIT, GED, CLEAR, ND, or NED.

       • Is the financial information kept in a database? NO

       • If I’m up-side down on my home mortgage, will I be deselected?  NO, we are aware of the current economic climate and every financial situation is different. We evaluate every financial situation independently.

       • If an officer has 30, 60, or 90 day late payments, foreclosure, and/ or bankruptcy, on his/her credit report would they be rejected or deselected? NO, every financial situation is different and evaluated independently.

       • How is the financial disclosure secured? There are only three people who have physical access to the information… Myself and aids who work directly for me, currently a Sergeant II, and a Detective III. If you would like to come by and see where the financial disclosures are kept, please call my office to schedule a visit.

       • Will Professional Standards Bureau use the financial disclosure forms in its investigations? NO, financial complaints are investigated via other means. Pertinent financial information for a complaint will be available outside the financial disclosure forms (subpoena and third party records warrant for example) financial disclosures will NOT be used as a tool to investigate or adjudicate complaints.

        • Does the federal judge have access to the disclosures?  NO, only the office of the Chief of Police, the Confidential Financial Disclosure Program Administrator, and for auditing purposes, the Office of the Inspector General, have access to the disclosures.

       • What happens to the disclosure if an officer leaves the unit?  The disclosure is retained for two years, then given back to the officer.

       • Is the financial disclosure information in TEAMS?  NO

       • Will the Department pay for the cost of my credit report if it is requested during an audit? Yes

       • What happens if you are removed from a unit, do you keep your pay-grade advancement? There are no guarantees. There has to be a vacancy and you may have to compete for it, similar to a vice assignment.

September 2010 COP message

WOMEN IN THE DEPARTMENT 100th ANNIVERSARY

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of sworn Policewomen on the Department.  During the month of September, the Department will be hosting events to commemorate the history, achievements and leadership of women in the LAPD as well as the Department’s commitment to the next generation of women officers.  Throughout my career, I have worked with many hard working and exceptional women in different assignments.  I can proudly call them my partners.  It’s not the gender, rather competency that makes a great partner.  This Department has women in every rank with the exception of Chief of Police.  And the competition last fall included two women who were eligible and competent.  The LAPD has come a long way! 
       
As I reflect on the history of women in the Department and how jobs for our women have transitioned greatly during the last century, I am very proud.  Now in 2010, we boast of almost 1,900 sworn women of varying ranks and approximately 2,100 female civilian support personnel of the rank of Police Administrator III to Clerk Typist and everything in between.  The doors to specialized units, traditionally dominated by males, have been opened for good and opportunities are greater than ever.  From our Cadets, Reserve Officers, SWAT, Air Support, Bomb Squad, Mounted Unit, K-9, Motors, Gangs, Narcotics to Robbery-Homicide Division.  I, like many of you, have seen firsthand how this Department has transformed and diversity is one of the hallmarks of this Department.  Our women and men together demonstrate daily leadership in law enforcement.   

I hope all of you have the opportunity to attend some of the scheduled events commemorating this historic milestone.  Please check our LAN for additional information and visit the PAB lobby to view the “LAPD On Display” dedicated to The Women Sworn to Protect and to Serve during the month of September.   The exhibit, made possible by the Los Angeles Police Historical Society, will feature a historic photograph display and female officers’ uniforms dating back from the last 100 years.  It is truly impressive to say the least.  

I believe this milestone is of national importance for law enforcement therefore we will appropriately honor the brave women who paved the road during difficult times in our profession.  From the hiring of Alice Stebbins Wells in 1910 to the retirement of the last Policewoman in 2007, Policewomen have contributed greatly to the safety of this community.  In the early 1970’s the Department ceased to hire Policewomen.  Nonetheless, women have continued to serve in major roles within the Department.  The implementation of the Unisex Program in the 1970’s, was the beginning of the Department’s transition from hiring men and women under separate job titles, (Policewomen and Policemen) to the single job classification of Police Officer.

Over the years, women have had to overcome many obstacles including the disparity of equal pay, rank, and work assignments.  Their struggles are often briefly stated but rarely elaborated.  Specifically, the struggles of women have included legal, societal and physical barriers.  Each transition was forged with blood, sweat and tears and unfortunately lawsuits.  Society itself set the tone.

In the 1800’s women were not legally able to hold the job of policeman. Those hired as police matrons were restricted in their job assignments with no career path.  Their duties were confined to the jail or dealing with juveniles.  As society progresses the Department allowed women to progress to the Policewoman, whose duties were initially restricted to assignments in the jail, juvenile divisions, desk duty and/or administrative.  In the early 1930’s their assignments expanded to include vice assignments and detectives. 

Although Policewomen were not ever “field certified”, they were able to promote to the rank of Sergeant but only allowed to supervise other Policewomen, not male patrol officers.  Although policewomen were hired under civil service rules and vested with powers of arrest, they were not assigned and/or deployed to patrol cars as the men.  They were not viewed as equal to policemen.  Policewomen assigned to detectives worked in conjunction with the [male] detectives.  They were expected to handle issues of women and children within the purview of their job description.  It was not until the 1960’s when the Department assigned two women to work in a detective assignment that woman were finally allowed to “try” real detective work.

The job classification of Policewomen as we knew them for 97 years has been retired as part of our history.  It was not until 1973 when the Department responded to pressure from City Council that the Unisex Program was instituted and our badge changed from two (policeman and police woman) to police officer.  At that time police women were offered the opportunity to go through a “field certified” academy and become police officers.  Some chose to do so, others did not.  Despite these changes, women were still prohibited from promoting to the rank of Lieutenant.  It was a brave police woman named Fanchon Blake who sued the Department so women would have the right to promote to any rank within the organization.  In 1981 her law suit was settled, she had retired, however her legacy cleared the way for LAPD women today.  

COMMENDATION: 800 TASK FORCE MEMBERS assigned to the “Grim Sleeper” Case

Last month, I reminded all of you why we do this job and referenced a significant arrest.  On July 7th, 57-year old Lonnie Franklin Jr., the “Grim Sleeper” was arrested in 77th Division, ending a serial killing spree that had lasted over 20-years.  Today, I want to recognize the significance of the case and openly praise those involved by name. 

RHD Cold Case Detectives, who were part of the 800 Task Force, worked tirelessly since 2007 to identify and capture Franklin.  Working with the California Department of Justice, DNA from Franklin’s son, who is also a convicted felon, established a familial connection between the family member and DNA that had been collected at the murder scenes.  That connection was used to identify Franklin and once we had a sample of his DNA, there was no question we had our killer.  This investigation and use of familial DNA that led to this arrest has become a landmark case that will change the way policing is done in the United States.  

I want to congratulate everyone who worked on this case, sworn and civilian, who worked so hard and with as much conviction from the first day the case was re-opened in 2007 to the days following the arrest.  You worked many long hours collecting evidence at the scene of arrest, which speaks volumes of your remarkable work ethic.  Each and every one of you has made me proud and is an outstanding reflection of this Department and community of which you serve.  You never gave up during times when you thought all leads had been exhausted, only to look for more stones that may have been left unturned.  You worked together with the community, acting on every tip and lead you received.  You worked together as a team, sworn and civilian.  And your relentless drive to take a murderer off the streets of the city of Los Angeles is remarkable.  You have clearly demonstrated that cops count, community counts, character counts…..and YOU made a difference. 

The following personnel who have been assigned to the Task Force over the past three years are commended:

Lieutenant II Thomas Thompson, Serial No. 22054, Task Force OIC
Detective III Dennis Kilcoyne, Serial No. 21818, Lead Investigator
Detective II Paul Coulter, Serial No. 21892
Detective II William Fallon, Serial No. 23135
Detective II Clifford Shepard, Serial No. 21297

The following SID personnel involved in key procedures for arrest are commended:
 
Criminalist II Supria Rosner, Serial No. N4508
Criminalist II Angela Zdanowski, Serial No. N2504
Criminalist II Guy Holloman, Serial No. N1959
Criminalist II Sherille Cruz, Serial No. N3467
Criminalist III Mike Mastrocovo, Serial No. G8517
Criminalist III Jennifer Francis, Serial No. N1417
Acting Supervising Criminalist, Criminalist III  Kristina Takeshita, Serial No. V8485

The following detectives are commended for their hard work and diligence while assigned to the Task Force one time or another over the past 3 years:

Detective II Silvina Yniguez, Serial No. 31541
Detective II James King, Serial No. 30479
Detective II Daryl Groce, Serial No. 24864
Detective II Rodrigo Amador, Serial No. 25344
Detective III Kevin Becker, Serial No. 25941
Detective III Gina Rubalcava, Serial No. 26814

August COP message

Mid Year Crime Stats

When I became your Chief, I committed to working hard for each and every member of this Department of which I am so proud.  As I write this message and reflect on some of the accomplishments we have achieved together, I am truly even more pleased.  When goals were set at the beginning of the year, I asked for a few things.  I asked for your commitment to continue to work hard to drive crime down, police in a constitutional manner, and prepare for and work to prevent acts of terrorism.  I also asked for your personal commitment to maintain employee wellness, not as a mandate, but because we have a moral and personal obligation to help one another and stay healthy in all aspects of our lives at home and at work.  I recognize each and every day, extraordinary things are expected of you and sometimes a little bit of praise and recognition can go a long way.  As a police officer, I understand the value in knowing deep in your heart you are supported by the community, your supervisors, and most of all, the Department.  When I can demonstrate my support and appreciation for you, through my interactions with you on patrol or through a personal note of thanks, I am reminded this is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of my job.  You continue to demonstrate it is possible for each and every employee of this Department to make a difference.

Thanks to your commitment and hard work we have continued a historic and unprecedented eight years of crime decline.  As the City is faced with the many challenges and choices in balancing the budget, we have been successful and effective at keeping crime down, particularly gang crime.  This is truly an accomplishment you all should be proud of and one that is singular in nature, as crime continues to rise in other large cities across the nation. We never could have done this without the tremendous support of our civilian staff who for the past year have given so much in both commitment and financial sacrifice.  Through their sacrifice of furloughs we have been able to keep police officers in the black and whites.

Before I get to the 2010 mid-year crime numbers, I want to remind all of you why we do this job.  On July 7^th, 57-year old Lonnie Franklin Jr. was arrested in 77^th Division, ending a serial killing spree that had lasted more than 20-years and giving hope to the families of his 10 victims that justice will be served.  Franklin was dubbed the “Grim Sleeper.”  The use of familial DNA that led to his arrest will become a landmark case that will change the way policing is done in the United States.  RHD Cold Case Detectives, who were part of the 800 Task Force, have been working tirelessly since 2007 to identify and capture Franklin.  Working with the California Department of Justice, DNA from Franklin’s son, who is also a convicted felon, established a familial connection between the family member and DNA that had been collected at the murder scenes.  That connection was used to identify Franklin.  Once we had a sample of his DNA, there was no question we had our killer.  I want to congratulate everyone, sworn and civilian, who worked tirelessly on this case for more than three consecutive days collecting and documenting the evidence at scene.  This investigation is the first of its kind in the United States and brings us on par with the way DNA searches are done in some parts of Western Europe.  Most importantly it will bring justice to victims to which it has been denied.

You have clearly made a difference and saved lives.  Compared to the first six months of 2009, violent crime is down 11.4%, property crimes decreased 5.3% and Part I Crimes fell 6.6%.  While homicides increased from 144 to 150 for an increase of 4.2%, the overall decline from 2005 to 2010 is nearly 40%. 

I have said it before and I will say it again, the cause and reason for the decline in crime is clear, it is the sworn and civilian men and women of this great Department and your dedication to the people of the many communities we protect and serve.  This successful result is undeniable proof LAPD sworn and civilian personnel have an abundance of strength, talent and goodwill.

Particularly impressive is your commitment in battling gangs in their attempts to dominate community life in Los Angeles.  You have been able to use creative gang prevention and apprehension strategies to cripple some of our most violent street gangs.  You kept gang homicides from increasing in the first half of 2009.  You reduced aggravated assaults by 8.5%, rape by 23.5%, and decreased gang crime overall by 9.4%.

I have always understood an essential component of the Department is our civilian workforce.  Civilians are a vital part of the day to day operations of the LAPD.  They are vital to our success and without them we could not accomplish the Department goals and objectives.  I want to say a special thank you to our civilian workforce, because they are critical members of our LAPD team and every bit a part of our success in fighting crime.  I am very thankful for our civilian employees and recognize their remarkable work in keeping the LAPD moving forward.

 iWATCH

As you are aware, one of the goals I set for this year was the prevention of terrorist incidents.  We must be vigilant and steadfast in our efforts to recognize signs and prevent attacks.  As a Department we cannot do this alone.  This is why we are partnering with our communities to launch iWATCH.  The iWATCH program will serve as a valuable asset in our efforts to combat terrorism and prevent a major attack on our City.  This national program will utilize the people we serve in our own communities as additional resources in identifying potential risks.  Members of the public can report suspicious activities and behaviors by calling 1-877-A-THREAT, or reporting online at iWATCHLA.org.   In June, the iWATCH program was rolled out at the Los Angeles International Airport.  This allows us to share potential intelligence information with the Los Angeles World Airport Police to further protect LAX.  Any reports of suspicious behavior or activity will be analyzed by trained LAPD detectives. 

Our Senior Lead Officers and Community Relations Officers have also received training on this “21^st century version of Neighborhood Watch” and iWATCH posters will be distributed to police and fire stations throughout the City.  It is important all of you are aware of this critical program.  You can access LAPDOnline.org for more information on iWATCH. 

 Together, We Can

Now that we are just past the mid-year mark and with a new fiscal budget, my staff and I are frequently meeting to identify critical positions within the Department and assess the possibility of promotions for both sworn and civilian personnel.  I remain cautiously optimistic we can create transfer and upgrade opportunities in the coming months.  

 Here’s the latest on the various projects in the works that have been initiated as a direct result of your inquiries and suggestions: 

• A pilot program has been implemented at Van Nuys Jail to streamline the booking process and actually get officers released faster when arrestees need medical treatment
• A project has been initiated to assess how we can improve the pertinence of performance evaluations for Reserve Officers
• A Special Order is in the final stages of the approval process to amend the Investigative Report (IR) face sheet to document an involved person’s email address
• We are looking at best practices to better track 171 hours when it comes to timekeeping, as the current systems are not developed for this type of management tool
• We are researching the impact of the educational requirement for promotional exams and attempting to offer college credit for many of our in-service courses
• In an effort to create consistency in filing requirements via fax, we are looking into how we can make this process easier and establish standardization citywide

Chief of Police Message - July 2010

BUDGET

The Department’s budget team has worked tirelessly with the Mayor’s staff and City Council to get our budget approved. Some of the budget highlights include the ability to maintain our sworn workforce at 9,963. We will only hire to attrition and new academy classes will range between 20 and 50 recruits to be cost effective. The City has allowed us to restore 17 regular civilian positions vacated as a result of the Early Retirement Incentive Program. These 17 positions will fill critical vacancies throughout the Department.

As I previously mentioned, our Department will not be purchasing any new vehicles or motorcycles but we were able to secure funding for Motor Transport Division to purchase vehicle parts and supplies. Additionally, funding from the Forfeited Assets Trust Fund and the City’s General Fund will help pay for maintenance of Force Option Simulators, replacement of technology as it becomes outdated and the disposal of live ammunition, keeping our personnel working in a safe and productive work environment.

We took a large hit with our overtime budget so I would like to remind all personnel of the revised Compensatory Time Off bank limits. I am counting on all of you to remain vigilant in our efforts to conserve overtime usage and adhere to the mandates of Administrative Order No. 7, December 2009, while complying with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Integrity Audits

In July 2009, the Department was released from the Consent Decree. One of the major contributing factors in making this happen was the Department’s ability to show the Independent Monitor and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Federal Judge that our police officers, day in and day out, were conducting their work with professionalism and integrity.  Capturing this evidence was the result of the work conducted by the Ethics Enforcement Section (EES), Special Operations Division of Professional Standards Bureau. Although the Department is no longer operating under the Consent Decree, all eyes are on us now more than ever, to see how we as a Department police ourselves.

A hallmark of our Department is that the rules and values of this organization are very clear, and so are the consequences. The Ethics Enforcement Section regularly performs a variety of integrity audits, both random and specific sting audits. They are essentially “open book” tests, designed to give the officer a choice to either choose to do the right thing or choose to do the wrong thing. Overwhelming the majority of the times, the information EES captures shows officers, supervisors and detectives hard at work making this City a safe place to live.  Occasionally, employees engage in conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of a Los Angeles Police Officer. When this happens, a personnel investigation and sometimes a criminal investigation are conducted into the matter.

Most disappointing to me are the sting audits where officers have failed to handle property that otherwise should have been booked. Do not take or create shortcuts. Follow the procedures and policies that you have been taught to follow. Many of you have received commendations for passing integrity audits and our Standards Based Assessment (SBA) rating has a box to document your proven integrity as a result of an EES audit. Keep in mind, EES is not the only entity monitoring your performance in the field. News organizations and the public routinely capture your activities on video. Do not disgrace the badge, always behave constitutionally and respectfully in the performance of your duties. I expect all of you to remain true to your oath of office and EES will continue in their mission to help ensure the integrity of police operations within the Department. Remember when you fail we all fail as an organization.

“LAPD” on Display

The most recognizable police vehicle is the 4-door black and white. But our latest display in the entrance to our new headquarters will showcase alternative police vehicles. On display are the T-3, the Polaris – an electric 4 wheeler vehicle, a patrol bicycle, and a dirt bike (used for off road terrain). Come by and enjoy the display.

Together We Can…

Since my last message, I have received more emails and spoken to many in the field who have shared their concerns. Although I may not have the perfect solutions carefully “packaged” in response to your questions at the time that you ask, I listen to each and every one of you. I appreciate and value your insight. Every decision I make weighs on me, because I realize that it has the potential to affect your livelihood and ability to comfortably work in an environment where you feel supported and inspired to do what we all signed up to do as public servants.  Trust that I act with your best interest in mind, for you now and for those that follow you in the years to come. I have been your Chief for over six months now and will continue to ask for your suggestions in the future because together we can make a difference.

So, here’s the latest on the various projects initiated by your inquiries:

•   In an effort to create a more responsive and timely process for issuing awards, citation and  commendations, these Department awards will now be given out quarterly rather than only once a year.
•   In the next few months, you can look forward to the implementation of the DUI Arrest, Cite and Release Program
•   The Department is in discussion with the City Attorney regarding the Citywide standardization of the RFC
•   A pilot program to assess the need to take “Complained of Injury Only” Traffic Collision Reports is being developed
•   The closing the Area’s front desk during off-hours is likely to be implemented in the near future.
•   The Department is looking at approving the deployment of the model 1911handgun (unknown makes at this time) for all officers who are able to shoot a bonus score of “expert”, details are being worked out now for the fall implementation.

Chief of Police Message - June 2010

Chief Daryl F. Gates

As I and members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Metropolitan Division lay to rest Police Officer III+1 Robert J. Cottle at a ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery on April 16th, I was notified of the passing of Chief Daryl F. Gates.  The 49th Chief of this great organization, Gates devoted his life to this Department.  During his tenure as Chief, Daryl Gates was the LAPD, and the LAPD was Daryl Gates. 

On September 16, 1949, Gates was sworn in as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department.  On March 28, 1978, he was sworn in as the 49th Chief of Police and would lead the LAPD for 14 years. 

Gates was a Chief for his time, and it was a difficult time in American policing.  In LA, it was a thin blue line that policed the city.  The Chief shaped and formed many of the existing practices and policies of the LAPD and community based programs which have been adapted and implemented around the world.

He recognized the need for elite trained officers and paved the way for the creation of SWAT.  In his fight against the crack cocaine epidemic, he put 10 police officers in fifty schools teaching fifth and sixth grade students about the dangers of drug use.  DARE would go on to be taught in all 50 states and around the world.

Knowing the eyes of the world would be on Los Angeles for the 1984 summer Olympic Games; Chief Gates strategically deployed 2,300 officers, helping to make the games a success. 

It was his support for Baker to Vegas that also made the event successful in its early years.  An avid runner himself, Chief Gates had hoped to be at this year’s run, but because of his declining health, it wasn’t possible.  The LAPD teams did however, have the support of the Gates family and we appreciate them being there during a very difficult time.  I also want to thank and congratulate all of our runners on their performances.  The LAPD Metro Blue team was our first Department team to cross the finish line amongst the many that participated.  A very special thank you as well to the families and friends of our runners and to each of the support teams who worked hard to guide our runners through the desert, over the mountains, and into Las Vegas.

The LAPD prides itself on its commitment to athletic competitions.  Our men and women who compete on LAPD teams spend a great deal of time and effort to represent us well.  Many of them will soon participate in the upcoming Western State Police and Fire Games.  The week long multi-sport Olympic-style program will be held the last week of July in Reno, Sparks, Tahoe and Truckee, Nevada.  I thank each of them for representing the LAPD, and I know they will have a great experience. Please visit the LAPD Sports page on LAPDOnline.org for the latest results from all the games.

Employee Wellness

While sporting events and being a member of an athletic team may help to keep you physically fit, and is an element of employee wellness, you are also responsible for following policies that keep you safe.  Sadly, far too many of you are not wearing your seatbelts.  And when involved in a traffic collision, consequently, there are many of you suffering more severe injuries because of it. 

You make a conscious decision to compromise your personal safety and violate Department policy when you choose not to buckle up.  Remember, it is statistically more likely for officers to be killed in a traffic collision than in an officer involved shooting.  While a majority of you use your seatbelt, it is crucial that we achieve 100 percent compliance.

I understand that from a tactical standpoint there may be some instances where you may not always be able to buckle up, but I expect you to wear your seatbelt when performing your usual day-to-day duties.  Not only is this an officer safety issue, but is also one of integrity.  As law enforcement professionals are granted the power to cite offenders of the State’s seatbelt law, so must we lead by example.

Employee wellness also means finding healthy ways to cope with the stresses that come with being a police officer, or working for the Department as a civilian.  Using alcohol to deal with job stress can quickly lead to alcohol abuse and drinking and driving.  Statistics from 2006-2008 revealed that on average, 21 Department employees, sworn and civilian, are arrested each year for DUI.  The decision to drive while inebriated is a question of character and integrity.  When consumption of alcohol leads to abuse and dependence connected to psychological concerns, the effects are seen and felt at home and the workplace.  To educate you about the dangers of alcohol use and driving while under the influence, I require you to watch two separate roll call videos each year that addresses the issue.  It takes courage to get involved and to confront a co-worker you think may have a problem, but speaks volumes of one’s own character.  We owe it to each other to step in and help one another.

In addition, the Department’s Behavioral Science Services (BSS) psychologists routinely reach out to Commanding Officers and supervisors to educate them on the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and dependence, causes and potential impacts of (excessive) use, the connection to other psychological concerns (depression, suicide), and how to intervene and make appropriate referrals to BSS.  

While a DUI arrest may reflect purely bad judgment, the majority of the individuals who are arrested while DUI already have significant stress in their lives, in addition to the stress caused by the arrest/detainment and in the worst case scenario, serious injury or loss of life.

My message to you has been that cops count - character counts; do the right thing and you can be the difference.  As officers of the law, and employees of the LAPD, you have a responsibility to hold yourself to a higher standard.  In order to enforce the law we must practice it. When we break the same laws we enforce it undermines the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.

Together We Can

Again, I thank you for the personal emails I have received with your suggestions and questions.  As I continue to speak with many of you when I work patrol once a month and through my monthly messages, I will provide you with feedback on various projects in the works. Your suggestions have not fallen on deaf ears, but please be patient as change takes time.  The following are some of your recommendations that we are currently working on:

• Streamlining the RFC and Private Persons Arrest process;
• assessing the need to staff morning watch hours at geographic areas’ station front desks;
• streamlining the jail process;
• elimination of “complained of injury” traffic reports; and
• creating a more responsive and timely process for issuing awards, citations and commendations. 

As training is another topic of discussion you bring to my attention, let me provide an overview of some firearms and tactics training that many of you have inquired about. 

In my effort to keep you safe while working a black and white, Training Division (TD) continues to offer improved and frequent training opportunities.  I am in full support of the Patrol Rifle expansion program and Training Division has a goal to keep a minimum of 16 rifles in each Area.  It is no longer limited as to rank for who can carry a Patrol Rifle. Please look on the LAN for detailed information about upcoming classes.

This Fall TD will offer a semi-auto pistol transition school for those who are interested in transitioning from a weapon without a de-cocking lever to one with, such as an authorized Smith and Wesson or Beretta.  As you may already know MACTAC Basic continues weekly.  We currently have over 6,000 officers trained.  We will soon be starting up the MACTAC Team Leader course and next year we will begin to conduct MACTAC field exercises.  Additionally, LETAC continues to run three times each Deployment Period.  You can see your Training Coordinator for more information.

Finally, each year your training coordinators are required to work with TD to put on a perishable skills/firearms training day.  My goal is to provide you with quality training and the tools to keep you safe.

Chief of Police Message - May 2010

Police Memorial Month

In November 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department opened to the public, our new Police Administration Building (PAB).  At the time, its “L” shape was described as arms wrapping around all who visit and comforting those who come to remember the men and women of the LAPD that we have lost.  Without a doubt PAB is a new landmark for Downtown and the City of Los Angeles.  It communicates to us a symbolic gateway to the future.  It is not possible however, to look to the future without remembering our past.

We have lasting gratitude for the men and women of the LAPD who took an oath to protect and to serve, and fulfilled this oath with their lives.  We have a beautiful, permanent memorial sculpture and garden area.  Located next to the main entrance, in glass cases, are replica badges for each of these fallen officers.  These are the badges that the LAPD officers proudly wore when they made the ultimate sacrifice.  These men and women were all bound by a common spirit – to protect and serve without any hesitation for their well being.  These fallen officers represent the best of the LAPD and we will never forget their service and sacrifice. 

Since I first joined the Department in March of 1977, there have been 51 police officers that have died in the line of duty.  Many of them are people I knew personally.  These are not faceless names to me; these individuals were friends and family.  I share the grief with their families, friends and partners.  We must memorialize them through our own excellence.  They all died in the pursuit of safety for the community and the best way to ensure they are never forgotten and always revered is to continue our service in making Los Angeles the safest big city in America.

On Wednesday, May 5, the Department will remember these fallen officers and express its gratitude to their families, at a police memorial ceremony in front of PAB.  Remembered at that ceremony will be our latest casualty, Police Officer III+1 Robert J. Cottle.  Known to many as RJ, he was killed in action on active duty overseas.  RJ, a proud United States Marine, was last assigned to Metropolitan Division, SWAT, and was an exemplary and respected member of our LAPD family.  With determination to honor his city and his country, RJ protected and served the people of LA and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.  I am struck by the extraordinary sacrifices our officers and their families make to serve our country on foreign soil and here in our communities. 

The LAPD continues to maintain close relationships with all branches of the United States military and is proud to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our Department employees and their families, many of whom continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces as members of the Reserves and the National Guard.

Officer Cottle’s name will be added to our memorial, as well as our website LAPDOnline.  There, you will find a new feature that honors the memories of those killed in the line of duty.  Titled “Gone but Not Forgotten,” on the anniversary date of an officer’s death, the feature displays a photo of the officer, if available, the officer’s rank, serial number, last assignment, end of watch, and cause of death.  Since records began being kept in 1906, a total of 203 LAPD officers have been killed in the line of duty.  During the month of May, I join you in the tradition of wearing the black mourning band on my badge in honor of RJ and our fallen officers.  Although the ribbon I wear today will later be taken off, the affect on my heart will never go away.

Medal of Valor

Police work, even when done at its zenith and as correct as humanly possible, is a very dangerous occupation.  Unfortunately far too many have paid the ultimate price for that danger.  Many of us have been very lucky and some have not.  Randy Simmons is an example of an officer who died doing what he loved, died doing what he believed was important, but nonetheless was a casualty of our profession.  Randy was the epitome of the word hero and this month he will receive, posthumously, the Medal of Valor.  Randy, along with 16 of his fellow officers, distinguished themselves with gallantry to save the lives of strangers at the risk of their own lives.  Here is a complete list of the 2010 Medal of Valor Recipients.

Welby Way Incident
Sergeant Charles Buttitta, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Michael Barker, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Thomas Chinappi, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Floyd Curry, Metro SWAT
Police Officer German Hurtado, Metro SWAT
Police Officer David Keortge, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Bonnie Lehigh, West Valley Area
Police Officer Mark Mireles, West Valley Area
Police Officer Michael Odle, Metro SWAT
Police Officer George Ryan, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Anthony Samuelson, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Stephen Scallon, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Randal Simmons, Metro SWAT (Posthumously)
Police Officer James Veenstra, Retired Metro SWAT

405 Fwy Van Nuys Car Fire
Police Officer Eric Hammerschmitt, Van Nuys Area

118 Fwy High Speed Crash and Car Fire
Police Officer Steven Beumer, Hollywood Area
Police Officer Alonso Menchaca, Mission Area

“LAPD” on Display

The first impression Department personnel and visitors from around the world will get upon entrance to our new headquarters is an ongoing historical display of equipment utilized by the Department.  Currently on display are motorcycles once used by our motor officers along with the new BMW model being integrated into our fleet.  The next time you are downtown, please take a moment to come by and see what’s being showcased.  The next display will highlight alternative law enforcement vehicles, such as the T-3's, our 4 wheeler Hillmann mobiles, and bikes from our bike patrol units.

Together We Can….

In my last message I committed to you that when I became your Chief, I would actively reach out to you to ask for your suggestions and to really listen to what you have to say about this organization and how together we can do a better job.  As I stated, one way I continue to do that, is by going out on patrol once a month.  That is my time to be with you, to be on the front lines with you, and to make sure I never lose touch with the realities of policing in 2010.  Although I’ve been out there and have done the challenging police work that I ask you to do, I consider your insight to be the most valuable in the way we do business, because you are out there doing it from day to day.  You see what works and what doesn’t.  I will take a hard look at the ideas you are suggesting and I will involve your respective unions in the processes as well.

You haven’t been shy about talking to me directly or through my staff and Liaison Officers, and I welcome that.  As of this writing, I’ve received and read several hundreds of emails from you, both sworn and civilian.  I want to thank those that have been outspoken and candidly involved during the vertical staff meetings I’ve held. It is through your suggestions that I am able to put things in motion and direct my staff to research best practices and feasibility of implementing your suggestions.  For example, the No Code-7 pilot program and the option to wear a tie in traditional Class “A” uniform were implemented as a direct result of the contacts you’ve made with me directly or through my staff.  Another widely reported issue that surfaced soon after I was sworn in as Chief, was the lack of patrol resources and staffing levels at the geographic Areas.  I read countless emails on this topic alone, and while the reorganization was also driven by these uncertain budgetary times, it was a direct result of the many concerns that you so clearly voiced to get more patrol resources out to you.  I thank those that have become involved in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department by contacting me.  It is evident that we have a vested interest in working together to get through these tough times.