907 August 2017
North Hollywood Newsletter Captain Donald R. Graham, Jr. Captain’s Corner: Hello crime fighters, today I want to answer the question: What is an LAPD Senior Lead Officer or SLO? Is he or she a community leader, a crime strategist, a public relations officer, a problem solver, a training officer, a street cop, an innovator, a youth developer, a program director, an investigator, a liaison? In fact, a SLO is all of those things. The Los Angeles Police Department is 10,000 sworn strong with over 4000 holding the civil service rank of Police Officer. There are even over 200 officers who hold the rank and position of Police Officer 3+1, however, there are only less than 150 SLOs. In order to really get a perspective, I need to go into a little detail of how LAPD is organized. The City is divided into four bureaus: Central, South, West and Valley. Each of those Bureaus is divided into Areas, commonly known as divisions such as North Hollywood Division. Each LAPD Area was divided into patrol beats in the 1960’s and they are called Basic Cars. This concept, devised by then LAPD Chief Ed Davis, divided LAPD Areas into identified communities and assigned patrol officers to work each Basic Car on a semipermanent basis to achieve consistency and familiarity by the officers and the communities. While these Basic Cars are not always perfect in defining communities, they represent the basic deployment plan for the Department. In each Basic Car, a senior Police Officer 3 (two chevron training officer) was selected to be the senior officer of the car. They were given a bonus position (hence the “+1”) and tasked with obtaining and maintaining a deep understanding of the communities within the Basic Car, building relationships within the car boundaries, and keeping the officers working the car and the Area leadership (captains, watch commanders and sergeants) apprised of crime and quality of life problems within the car, and training, guiding and providing information and support to the officers working the car so they can be effective each shift.
Our North Hollywood SLOs perform this mission each time they come to work. In addition, they are tasked with working with detectives to solve crimes, working with our vice, narcotics and gang units to develop intelligence and focus the enforcement efforts of those specialized units, develop crime fighting strategies for their Basic Car crime problems and liaising with other entities such as the City Attorney Neighborhood Prosecutor, other City, County, State, Federal, LAPD and NGO resources to solve long term problems of blight, crime and traffic. That is a pretty hefty job. The SLOs are expected to obtain information from crime reports, detectives, community groups and individuals and then prioritize and seek resources to develop strategies. Their specialty is developing partnerships among community members as well as government and non-government resources to solve these problems. Now, full disclosure here. I was a SLO for 5 ½ years in Devonshire Division so I have more than a passing knowledge of what SLOs do and what is expected of them, both by the command (captains) and the community. Therefore, I feel, based on my experience, it is important to define what a SLO is NOT. A SLO is not a dispatcher. Therefore, if you have you SLOs cell phone number, it is not a key to faster police response. Police response is dictated by a prioritization policy at Communications Division to ensure that the entire community is served. If you need emergency police response, call 9-1-1. If you need non-emergency response, please call 877-ASK-LAPD. That leads me to my next point, your SLO is not accessible 24/7. He or she works four, 10 hour shifts each week. Unlike patrol officers, their start times each shift may vary considerably depending on the current situation in their car or, quite frankly, my direction as the captain as to the needs of the command. My expectation is that every SLO contact every person in their car that reaches out, however, I also expect them to do so based on prioritization of the problems at any given time. Bottom line – be patient…and
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North Hollywood Newsletter persistent. Even SLOs can be overwhelmed from time to time and can lose track of a contact. Next, SLOs are not anyone’s “personal shopper coppers.” While there is no doubt that certain organizations and individuals create a larger footprint in any division based on their size, activity and current problem and, based on that, may have more potential need of police resources or more consistent contact with the Police Department or SLO. It is my expectation that each SLO provide service fairly to each community problem based on the severity of the problem, not on who is calling or meeting with them. That does not in any way, undercut the importance of you or your organization having a strong, on-going relationship with your SLO. This relationship allows for robust communication and an awareness of the SLO as to community resources and the severity of the various problems in the car and can allow the SLO to discover connections between problems in order to determine sound strategies.
When I talk about partnership with a SLO, I am not talking about establishing a “Complaint Department.” I need every member of every community to be committed to safety and order. I need you to take to heart the crime information and prevention tips and act on them, to build relationships within your community, share crime information, and actively work to reject disorder in our communities. Yes, my SLOs are extraordinary but, faced with the current challenges of justice in California, of prison realignment, decriminalization, and the growing leadership direction that criminals are better rehabilitated in our communities rather than safely kept from doing us further harm, they need your help. I ask you to get involved; come to your neighborhood watch meeting or start one in your neighborhood. Share what you learn with the other groups you are affiliated with: PTA, faith based, youth mentoring, business and trade, friends and loved-ones. Join the online discussions and sharing in your community. Contact your elected leaders and discuss your experiences with them and make your local issues important. Report graffiti to 3-1-1, call about street lights that are burned out and bulky items that clog your sidewalks and alleys and practice safe driving habits.
A SLO is a liaison with other entities but does not possess extraordinary authority to compel another agency to work on a problem. My SLOs have excellent relationships with a wide variety of government and non-government (NGO) people. However, those folks have their own bosses and their own prioritization system. That’s where you come in. If you are not satisfied with the speed or efficiency with which a problem is being dealt with, please, we ask you, contact the management of that agency and make your thoughts known as a constituent. In the City, we all work for the elected officials, either the Mayor, or City Attorney and we all get our funding from the City Council. The aforementioned Council also makes laws and policies for the City (known mostly as ordinances). Our elected City officials are the primary form of accountability for all City services as our County, School, State and Federal elected officials are over their agencies. All elected officials ultimately work for us, the voter. There are a wide array of Internet resources to find the right elected official to contact.
Current Crime Trends
Each one of my SLOs is a very special and talented officer. They have experience, wisdom, communication skills, leadership qualities and a commitment to improve their Basic Car. In short, they have ownership of that community.
During the month of July, our area experienced 60 Part I crimes as compared to 48 in the month of June. This year to date, there were 436 crimes reported in our basic car versus 467 last year to date
If you need help with this action, well…reach out to your SLO. Until next time, be safe! - DG
Basic Car 15A3 Senior Lead Officer Gabriel Ahedo Cell Phone (818) 634-0949 33107@lapd.lacity.org
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North Hollywood Newsletter 2016, for an overall decrease of -6.64%. Currently, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) accounted for the highest category increase with 94 versus 77, while Burglary reported the lowest number 23 versus 42 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. Don’t become a victim of a theft. Remember to “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It!” by not leaving anything of value or your keys in your vehicle. Also, never leave your car unattended while it is running….let’s take every precaution we can not to become victims. Community Events Neighborhood Watch Meeting Church of San Pablo 7400 Tujunga Avenue Monday, August 14, 2017 7:00 p.m. Neighborhood Watch Meeting Pentecostal Church Juan 3:16 6903 Radford Avenue Wednesday, August 23, 2017 7:00 p.m. North Hollywood Northeast Neighborhood Council Meeting L.A.F.D. Station 89 7063 Laurel Canyon Boulevard Thursday, August 17, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Basic Car 15A21 Senior Lead Officer Carol Sawamura Cell Phone (818) 634-0852 31322@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends During the month of July, there was 50 Part I crimes versus 48 in the month of June. Overall, the Area has experienced 386 crimes year-to-date, as compared to 493 last year to date, recording an overall decrease of -21.70%. Currently, Aggravated Assaults accounted for the highest category increase with 52 versus 37, while Robbery experiences the lowest number 13 versus 31 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. As stated above our basic car area is experiencing an increase in Aggravated Assaults; many of incidents are between transients or are Domestic Violence related. Vehicle-related crimes; Burglary Theft from Vehicle (BTFV) and Grand Theft Auto (GTA) still remain a concern in Reporting District (RD) 1522. The majority of property crimes are occurring in RD 1512 and RD 1513 (Coldwater Canyon, Vanowen Street and Sherman Way borders), and along the Fulton Avenue/Wash border with Van Nuys Area. The type of vehicles being stolen is the older model Hondas and Toyotas. The main complaint reported from our residential and business members are the allowable zoned RV/Campers parking on Raymer Street, Strathern Street, Ethel Avenue and Varna Avenue (just north of Saticoy Street. Homeless encampments continue to move as they are encouraged to move from one location during sweeps, clean-up and resource North Hollywood Newsletter
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North Hollywood Newsletter outreach efforts. The majority of homeless individuals do not want assisted housing and/or assistance into temporary shelters. The apartment building at 13131 Barbara Ann is being worked on for several narcotics/nuisance tenants for possible eviction by the property management legal firm. Gang members have also been identified visiting tenants. Eviction is a slow process as the building is owned by the City of Los Angeles (Housing Authority), and does not qualify for the Citywide Nuisance Abatement Program (CNAP). A Facebook Page has recently been set up for the A21 Area, called the “Sloth 21” page, under the name “Carol Sawamura.” Please join as community members post crime updates, photos and SLO can post acknowledgement messages and progress reports. Community Events North Hollywood West Neighborhood Council Meeting Saticoy Elementary School 7850 Ethel Avenue Wednesday, August 23, 2017 6:30 p.m.
Basic Car 15A27 Senior Lead Officer Fortunato Mariscal Cell Phone (818) 634-0941 27227@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends
During the month of July, there were 58 Part I crimes versus 63 in the month of June. Overall, the Area has experienced 436 crimes Year-To-Date, as compared to last year to date, where there were 456. This reflects an overall decrease of -4.39%. Currently, Robbery accounted for the highest category increase with 27 versus 21, while Theft experiences the lowest number 119 versus 171 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. Based on the current crime statistics, my Area had a slight increase in property crimes along the Vineland Avenue and the Lankershim Boulevard corridors. Please remember to lock and secure your car doors and windows when parking your car. Community Events Cleon Neighborhood Watch 6633 Cleon Avenue Tuesday, August 15, 2017 1:00 pm Basic Car 15A33 Senior Lead Officer Jennifer DuVally Cell Phone (818) 632-0809 30991@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends: During the month of July, there were 52 Part I crimes versus 48 in the month of June. Our Basic Car has experienced 349 crimes this year to date, versus 319 last year date. Unfortunately, our area has seen an overall increase of 9.40%. Currently, North Hollywood Newsletter
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907 August 2017
North Hollywood Newsletter Robbery accounted for the highest category increase with 17 versus 8, while Grand Theft Auto experiences the lowest number 43 versus 51 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. A good portion of the Part I crimes committed are occurring on Laurel Canyon Boulevard (between Calvert Street and Victory Boulevard) and on Victory Boulevard (between the 170 Freeway and Laurel Canyon Boulevard). Please continue to contact your SLO Officer if you see suspicious activity. If you would like a community meeting regarding recent news on immigration policy within the Los Angeles Police Department, please contact me as well. Community Events Greater Valley Glenn Neighborhood Council. L.A. Valley College Monday, August 7, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Basic Car 15A39 Senior Lead Officer John Catalano Cell Phone (818) 634 -0873 32740@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends During the month of July, our area had 84 Part I crimes as compared to 107 last month. Overall, our area has experienced 606 crimes year to date, versus 580 year to date 2016, for an overall increase of
4.48%. Burglary (commercial and residential) accounted for the highest category increase with 72 versus 53, while Rape experiences the lowest number 7 versus 15 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. On Friday, August 4th, Narcotics Unit, patrol officers, and SLO Officer worked together to target homeless individuals committing crimes in the North Hollywood Park, along the 170 Freeway and the Metro Train/Bus red lines. A total of 21 arrests were made during this task force, while offering resources for temporary housing with other available City and County assistance. The best arrests often start with a tip from the community. While I believe the presence of a blackand-white patrol car driving down your street or officers walking a foot beat will deter crime from happening at that moment, it’s unrealistic and near impossible to predict where the next crime will occur to help prevent it. Often it appears that we are more reactive then proactive and with the amount of radio calls for service that officers respond to daily, it’s easy to understand why. However, when a community member takes the time to report criminal behavior, it’s usually out of sheer frustration or desperation just to get this behavior to finally stop or move away and become someone else’s issue. Please join the A39 Facebook page, “NoHo SLO Catalano” where updates, photos and crime bulletins are shared with the members, as well as progress updates and photos from SLO39.
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North Hollywood Newsletter Basic Car 15A43 Senior Lead Officer Manuel Arreygue Cell Phone (818) 634-0829 30026@lapd.lacity.org
Basic Car 15A67 Senior Lead Officer Robert Benavidez Cell Phone (818) 634-0978 32151@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends
Current Crime Trends
During the month of July, there was 71 Part I crimes versus 60 in the month of June. Overall, the Area has experienced 446 crimes this year-to-date, versus 416 last year to date, for an overall increase of 7.21%. Currently, Burglary accounted for the highest category increase with 68 versus 45, while Burglary from Motor Vehicles experiences the lowest number 170 versus 173 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016.
During the month of July, there was 70 Part I crimes versus 93 from last month of June. This resulted in a decrease of -24.73%. This year to date, 613 crimes have occurred versus 564 crimes that occurred last year to date, reflecting for an overall increase of +8.69%. Currently, Burglary accounted for the highest category increase with 97 versus 83, while Grand Theft Auto experiences the lowest number 61 versus 81 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016.
The greatest concentration of Part I crime numbers are in Reporting District (RD) 1543, which borders Burbank Boulevard, Whitsett Avenue, Magnolia Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Please be diligent in properly securing your homes and if possible install surveillance cameras. Community Events Valley Village Neighborhood Council Faith Presbyterian Church 5000 Colfax Avenue Wednesday, August 16, 2017 7:00 p.m.
The largest concentration of Part I crime is in Reporting District (RD) 1555 and 1557, whose borders are Tujunga Avenue, Magnolia Boulevard, Ventura Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard. Hide your valuables from being visible in parked vehicles, lock your car and don’t leaves valuables such as cell phones, tablets, purses, etc., unattended while out on your travels. Community Events Greater Toluca Lake NC Meeting Toluca Elementary School 4840 Cahuenga Boulevard Tuesday, August 24, 2017 7:00 PM
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907 August 2017
North Hollywood Newsletter Basic Car 15A85 Acting Senior Lead Officer John Antonioli Cell Phone (818) 634-2593 36968@lapd.lacity.org
Current Crime Trends During the month of July, there was 84 Part I crimes versus 75 in the previous month of June, which resulted in a increase of +12.00%. Overall, our Area has experienced 630 crimes this year-to-date, versus 572 last year to date 2016, for an overall increase of +10.14%. Currently, Aggravated Assaults accounted for the highest category increase with 38 versus 17, while Grand Theft Auto experiences the lowest number 42 versus 63 overall in a comparison between 2017 and 2016. The biggest concentration of Part I crime is along Ventura Boulevard, including the businesses and the wash areas. Enforcement efforts have been the priority in the attempt to respond to the business and residential complaints of the homeless encampments, homeless individuals disrupting everyday life, and the disruption of visible quality of life issues. Not only has the police conducted proactive enforcement, but also offered temporary housing alternatives. Senior Lead Officers have been actively participating with City, County and State agencies to reach out to the Homeless Community, clean up the visible quality of life issues, and respond to the business and residential complaints/concerns.
community members who have called, e-mailed and/or reached out through the numerous organized community forums. Community Relations Office Sergeant Catherine Leon, OIC (818) 754-8470 33634@lapd.lacity.org
Greetings from North Hollywood Community Relations! Our summer was full of activities among our Senior Lead Office and Youth Programs, so much so that I am only able to provide you all with a snapshot of our summer! On July 24, 2017, East Valley PALS hosted their annual fundraising Golf Tournament at Braemar Country Club. Over 100 golfers participated in the event! We were also delighted to have live auction items donated by Tommy Lee, talented drummer of the rock band Motley Crue and talented local artist and entrepreneur Guerin Swing! All proceeds from the tournament will benefit North Hollywood Station and its Youth Programs.
I want to thank A85 Area for welcoming me, SLO Officer Shawn Smith, as your permanent SLO for the area. I am attempting to meet with all the North Hollywood Newsletter
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North Hollywood Newsletter During the month of August, our North Hollywood Cadets volunteered dozens of service hours assisting with operations at the opening ceremonies and sporting events for the World Police and Fire Games, hosted this year by the City of Los Angeles. The games would not have run smoothly without the support of the Department’s Cadet Posts!
immediately notify law enforcement by calling 911. A simple call may prevent a tragedy from occurring.
On August 15, 2017, our Jeopardy students took a trip to the Griffith Observatory after having completed a summer project on the solar system. The kids enjoyed the outing and are looking forward to seeing the eclipse on August 21st! Lastly, on August 16, 2017, our North Hollywood officers and command staff participated in the annual “Shop with a Cop” Event. Pursuant to a community donor, 25 children were each able to shop for a hundred dollars worth of school supplies, just in time for the start of the 2017-2018 school yea! For information about upcoming community events, please call the CRO Office at (818) 754- 8470 or check out the Facebook Pages of our NoHo SLO’s! A Message from Terrorist Liaison Officer As a reminder, the prevention of terrorism and violent crimes is everyone's responsibility. You are all the eyes and ears in the community and law enforcement needs your help in keeping you all safe. If you see something suspicious, North Hollywood Newsletter
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North Hollywood Newsletter http://www.dhs.gov/see-something-saysomething NORTH HOLLYWOOD POLICE STATION TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITE INFORMATION MAIN NUMBER/FRONT DESK (818) 754-8300 DETECTIVE DIVISION COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE (CRO) SENIOR LEAD OFFICE (SLO)
(818) 754-8410 (818) 754-8470 (818) 754-8358
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CRIME TIP LINE POLICE ACTIVITY LEAGUE SUPPORTERS (PALS) WEBSITE PALS FACEBOOK PAGE
(818) 754-8480 www.nohopals.com www.facebook.com/nohopals
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