Southwest Area Community Police Advisory Board Executive Committee
Southwest Community Police Station
1546 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
March 4, 2013 6:30PM
MINUTES
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Sgt. I Raymond Dorsey.
Welcome & Introduction of Members: Civilian Co-Chair Mr. Johnnie Raines was introduced and requested that other C-PAB mention who they are and where they are from.
Captain’s Comments: Captain III Paul A. Snell, stated that the Department had an interesting week. As such, he further stated that he could not express enough that we continue to move forward and in the right direction.
Constitutional Policing: The Captain also stated that the Dorner incident provided a classic example of why constitutional policing is so important. Being African-American, he advised that this is not the LAPD of old. The Department is continually improving and working with the community to address changes and continues to monitor all of these issues on a constant and ongoing basis, relying upon the community as a whole.
Compstat Update: Crime is down about 6 percent. There is also a reduction in violent crime by six to eight percent. Property crime has also decreased. With summer approaching, historically the numbers tend to go up, however Southwest has consistently matched its annual goal of five percent.
Guest Speaker: Officer Lori Lee, Office of Operations (O.O) provided a “Status Update.” She stated that the Office of Operations provides citywide oversight for the Department’s r Community Police Advisory Boards(C-PAB), Southwest being one of the best. This is the 20th year that C-PAB has been in existence. After the implementation of the decent decree, the Department sought to establish community partnerships. The Office of Operations is always looking for new ideas to improve C-PAB. Should anyone have any info, they are encouraged to contact Officer Lori Lee. She can be reached at (213) 486-6081 and extension 6960. Her unit is looking for feedback on current procedures, objectives, increased membership and also ideas for future endeavors. Officer Lee further stated that the Department is planning a 20-year anniversary celebration at the next C-PAB Summit to be held in October.
Teen C-PAB Comments: Luis Duarte introduced the newly inducted Teen C-PAB, Board of Directors, and updated the community on current events occurring within their organization. Luis reported that the last Teen C-PAB meeting was held at Crenshaw High School. The meeting was successful and they look forward to visiting other schools and locations. Southwest C-PAB member, Mary Jones-Darks inquired about their annual Rummage Sale. Officer Evleth stated that information regarding this fundraiser will be provided in the near future.
Basic Car Reports:
Senior Lead Officer(SLO) Kevan Beard (Basic Car 41) reported that Baldwin Hills is experiencing Residential Burglaries. Southwest arrested a suspect and as a result, Residential Burglaries are down. Also, tree trimming has been provided in and around Village Green, as a preventive measure to remove “cover” for any potential suspect.
SLO Ryan Marshall (Basic Car 15) of the West Adams Neighborhood, is the acting Senior Lead Officer, while Tracy Banuelos has been temporarily reassigned. He stated this area suffers from Burglary From Motor Vehicles (north of Adams and east of Crenshaw). Two suspects are being monitored. Aside from this issue, crime is under control.
SLO Jose Saldana (Basic Car 63), serving Lower Baldwin Village, stated this community experienced an increase of daytime burglaries. He stated he is in constant communication with residents and letting them know to be aware of crime occurring in their area. There was also a shooting in this community. The victim sustained a gunshot to the leg.
SLO John Biondo (Basic Car 31) of Jefferson Park was not present. In his absence, SLO Sasajima provided an update for this area. He sated there were two robberies that occurred and to date there has been no established pattern. Jefferson Park also experienced four Burglary From Motor Vehicles, predominantly during daytime hours. One burglary incident took place at a church.
SLO Nicole Garner (Basic Car 59) stated that the University Park Task force, received 10 reports of Burglary last week, one of which occurred at Norse Dental. SLO Garner stated the Norse Dental office did not properly secure their door, however security measures are now in place.
SLO Pierre Olega (Basic Car 55) serving Jefferson Park/King Park, stated like other Basic Car Areas, this community is also experiencing residential burglaries. It appears that division resources have had to shift as this crime of opportunity moves into other areas. Rear garages or back windows seem to be the main source of entry. SLO Olega advised community members to keep their residential doors and windows locked. He also encouraged residents to put their ladders away, as you don’t want your own tools to be an accessory to aiding in a crime against you. Recent reports indicate that commercial vehicles were targeted for their tools. Community members were also reminded to hide or remove cell phone chargers from their vehicles.
SLO Geraldine Brawner (Basic Car 19), assigned to University Park, stated Southwest has identified ongoing issues with “party nights” and students not locking up their cars or housing areas. Adams- Hoover has been identified as a problematic area of concern. SLO Brawner encouraged community members and their children to participate and join us for the Operations—South Bureau “Community Forum,” at Casa Vertigo, located at 1828 Oak(at Washington). This event is scheduled for March 27, 2013, at 6 PM.
SLO Sean Anderson (Basic Car 99) reporting for Vermont Square, advised that crime is down but this area continued to experience Burglary From Motor Vehicles and auto theft. Hondas and Toyotas seem to be a reoccurring theme. SLO Anderson stated that the Rolling 40’s gang issue and seems to be slowing down. Last week, Southwest officers arrested suspects that pointed guns at plain “clothes” officers.
SLO Sam Salazar (Basic Car 57) stated he will conduct a transient sweep at the end of the month, during day watch hours. The Department of Water and Power will be on hand to assist with the clean-up of some encampments, as well as providing information on housing and out-reach services.
Announcements:
Captain III Paul A. Snell advised that for those that watched the (Donner incident) recording of Captain and Sergeant Tingerides, they are obviously doing well, but this incident continues to remind officers of the fact “that our jobs do put us and our families in danger.”
Southwest C-PAB member and assistant co-chair Marcia Arnold requested that the C-PAB Executive Committee meet to make plans, advance our causes, and to work as a cohesive unit. She stated “We are separated and we can’t communicate.” Southwest C-PAB Co-Chair, Johnnie Raines asked that Marcia make arrangements for the meeting.
C-PAB member Patricia Hemphill reminded everyone of Election Day. She encouraged everyone to vote.
Discussions on how transient sweeps happened followed. On top of following all laws, first and foremost, the police assist authorities by provide help, direction with placement and government services.
Captain Snell posed a question to the community members that were present, asking what the Department, Southwest can we do to make these meetings more productive for you, ourselves and the community? He suggested that the community become involved by working with our Teen C-PAB, through mentoring and participating in their events.
Co-chair Johnnie Raines reviewed a Community Forum flyer and suggested that Department Forums be identified as Forums that encompass issues that concern all community members versus race based Forums.
Approval of February Minutes: Minutes were approved unanimously.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting will be: Monday, March 4, 2013 6:30PM (subject to change)
To Be Decided
Minutes prepared and submitted by Jeff Camp