What:
Luncheon to Honor LAPD Devonshire Area Volunteer Surveillance Team

When:
Sunday, March 24, 2002
12:00 p.m.

Where:
Encino Glen Restaurant
16821 Burbank Boulevard
Encino, CA

Los Angeles: On Sunday, March 24, 2002, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Area Volunteer Surveillance Team (VST) will celebrate its 10^th anniversary at a noontime luncheon. This highly successful, all volunteer, program has been in existence since 1992. The group is comprised of dedicated community members who reside within the area serviced by the Devonshire Area Community Station. They have exhibited a willingness to assist the police in the detection and eradication of criminal activity in their own neighborhoods. Deployed in only non-hazardous situations as observers, VST members only work under the watchful supervision of designated police officers who carefully direct their activities and ensure their personal safety. This translates into countless hours of patiently keeping a watchful eye on those areas frequently targeted by graffiti and street sales of narcotics.

Deployed often under adverse conditions and at great personal sacrifice, members clearly recognize the significant role they play in improving the quality of life for countless fellow community residents. As a direct result of the membership’s unselfish commitment, successful methods and outstanding reputation, the Devonshire VST has been the recipient of numerous local and state awards. The Devonshire VST is a model community-policing program that many other jurisdictions are now attempting to emulate. They have also been featured in numerous national and local television, magazine and newspaper articles. Thanks to the membership’s dedication, VST members have volunteered in excess of 29,620 hours of service to their community, thereby saving the City approximately $1,125,560.00 in officer salaries and benefits.

During the calendar year of 1999, the Devonshire VST was directly responsible for 3,100 volunteer hours leading to in excess of 900 arrests. Those having questions about the event or VST program are asked to call the VST Project Director, Lieutenant Joseph Eddy, Officer-In-Charge, Devonshire Operations Support Division, at 818-756-8291.

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.