Los Angeles – The members of the Los Angeles Police Commission praise the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department for their extensive and swift approach in searching for Jessica Cortez after her disappearance was reported on Sunday evening. The Commissioners join the rest of the City of Los Angeles in celebrating Jessica’s safe return to her family.

Commission President Rick Caruso stated, "As we all know from tragic cases involving children that have been in the news lately, law enforcement has to move quickly and that is exactly what LAPD did. The Department immediately devoted large numbers of officers in a round-the-clock approach to search for the little girl. A command post was immediately set up and dive teams were in the murky waters of Echo Park Lake within hours of the initial phone call. As many of us at LAPD are parents too, I know we all rejoiced when little Jessica was found. This happy ending is a result of the community of Los Angeles coming together. We could not be happier. Good work and congratulations to the men and women of LAPD!"

This press release was prepared by the Police Commission. For any questions, please contact Tamryn Catania at 213-485-3531