Memorial Day 2011

Wishing everyone the best on this Memorial Day 2011.  Take a moment and remember those that have died in service to our Country!  Remember to proudly display your American Flag at half-staff today, from sunrise to noon, in their honor.

Sobriety Checkpoint this Weekend

Incident: Memorial Day Weekend “AVOID 100” DUI Checkpoint

Date / Time of Press Release: May 25, 2011 – 10:00PM

The Arcadia Police Department, with the assistance of San Gabriel Valley allied police agencies, will conduct a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the City of Arcadia on Saturday, May 28, 2011 as part of the “AVOID 100” DUI Prevention Task Force. The checkpoint will begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at 2:00 AM. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure drivers have valid driver’s licenses.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. The use of checkpoints has proven to serve as an effective deterrent to drivers who are impaired and or unlicensed.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Brett Bourgeous at (626) 574-5475.

PF440

Supreme Court Ruling with Potential to Impact all California Communities

Matt Burch and Nathan McIntire from the Arcadia and Monrovia Patch websites recently quoted both Interim Police Chiefs Bob Guthrie and Jim Hunt from the Arcadia and Monrovia Police Departments, respectively, in articles discussing the Supreme Court decision to order the early release of some California felons.  The decision no doubt has the potential to impact communities throughout the state.  Law Enforcement agencies will be watching closely as this decision unfolds.  Take a look at the two articles on both the Arcadia Patch and the Monrovia Patch. 

Weekly Tip - Don't Drive Drunk Detour Program

Jan's Towing offers a free service known as "Don't Drive Drunk Detour Program" throughout the year. Jan's is committed to helping to keep drunk drivers off the road and takes an active role by offering this program to those who have indulged a little too much. With the holiday weekend upon us, take advantage of this offer should the need arise. Jan's can be reached at (626) 334-1383.

The Automobile Club offers a similar program that is called "Tipsy Tow."  Check with AAA for availability by calling (800) 400-4AAA.

Remember to report drunk drivers, call 9-1-1 and help keep our roads safe!  Have a safe and fun Cinco de Mayo! 

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 15-21, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-15.pdf

Engaging Within & Beyond Arcadia through Social Media

Taking advantage of Social Media has allowed the Arcadia Police Department to reach out and engage with people and organizations that we would probably have never met or interacted with in times past.  I thought it would be interesting to share a couple of those connections that we have made and interact with via Social Media:

Lauri Stevens is the owner and founder of ConnectedCOPs.net and LAwS Communications.  Lauri is a huge supporter of Law Enforcement use of Social Media and promotes its use daily.  "The vision behind ConnectedCOPS is to enhance law officers’ ability to succeed with social media tools by providing insight, encouragement, education and the overall support required. It is also to promote the insightful thoughts of the law enforcement social media visionaries by providing them a voice..."  Lauri Stevens has been a mentor and friend to the Arcadia Police Department, and without her assistance, our Social Media presence would be minimal.  Lauri has authored numerous articles for Law Enforcement publications nationwide and also produces the Social Media, the Internet, and Law Enforcement Conference (SMILE) series that attracts an international audience of Law Enforcement professionals from all over the world.  You can find Lauri on Twitter @lawscomm and on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/LAwSComm.

A blog devoted primarily to "cold case" investigations reached out and engaged with the Arcadia Police Department, highlighting the unsolved 2007 Jason Wei murder case in March of this year.  Defrosting Cold Cases (DCC) is the name of this blog, developed and managed by an east coast lawyer who is known as @Vidocq_CC on Twitter.  "My work got me in touch with many police departments and those collaborations resulted in this website. I have yet to find a police department that is not underfunded, not understaffed, or not overworked. Often, I heard officers say that they wished that they had time to build a website for their cold cases..."  APD teamed up with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, gathering a $20,000 reward in this case which was promoted through conventional media.  Having a web presence like DCC highlight the case only multiplies our efforts to bring awareness to the Wei case.  One of DCC's current cases involves the unsolved killing of a Champaign, IL, Police Officer Robert Tatman, who was murdered in 1967.


We continue to explore and update the manner in which we use Social Media within the Arcadia Police Department.  We have established a new rapport with local residents, local businesses, and beyond through our presence on the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and our Blog.  The sharing and exchange of information is fast and amplified through these platforms and our participation allows us to listen and communicate with voices and people that otherwise may never interact with their Police Department.  The Arcadia Police Department looks forward to continuing to develop our Social Media presence and methods, engaging locally and beyond.  

Arcadia PD On-Line Reporting System

The Arcadia Police Department's on-line reporting system is web based and available to any Windows PC user who has access to the internet (Sorry Mac users, we’re still working on getting you access). Access to the system is made through the City of Arcadia Police Department web site:

www.ArcadiaPD.org

The intent of the system is to provide citizens the option of reporting low priority crimes that have no workable suspect information via the internet. The system is designed to benefit both the department and the citizen by reducing officer responses to these types of incidents and so the citizen may report an incident at their convenience.

The online reporting feature is designed to be an additional resource available to the public for the reporting of a number of low-grade crimes. The reporting system should not take the place of a police response to any number of scenarios, including but not limited to:

Emergencies (Dial 9-1-1)

In progress crimes (Dial 9-1-1)

Crimes where the suspect is known

Crimes where there appears to be evidence that could be collected.

All Traffic Collisions (Injury, non-injury, & Hit & Run)

Only the following crimes/reports can be reported on-line at this time:

1) Auto Burglary
2) Theft
3) Harassing or Annoying phone calls
4) Identity Theft
5) Lost/Stolen Property (NOT PASSPORTS)
6) Vandalism
7) Vehicle Tampering

Once an on-line report is submitted, the citizen will receive an automated response indicating that an On-Line incident number has been issued. A Police Department officer will review the on-line report and will either Accept of Reject the report.

When a report is ACCEPTED, a Police Case Number will be issued and the citizen will have that information emailed to their preferred email address. The email can be printed and referred to as an “Unofficial” police report. An “Official” copy of the report can be retrieved at the Arcadia Police Department by the individual who filed the on-line report or their insurance agency representative.

If a report is REJECTED, the citizen will receive the reasons why the report was rejected, along with instructions of what should be done regarding the on-line report. Usually, on-line reports are rejected for the following reasons:

The report does not fall under one of the 7 categories allowed for on-line reporting

The submitted report is lacking contact information for the reporting party
o Phone number(s)
o Email address
o Address
o Driver’s license or ID #
o Date of Birth

We hope that this on-line service provides an extra convenience for reporting incidents to the Arcadia Police Department and that you all find it useful.

Should you have any questions, feel free to call the Police Department non-emergency line at: (626)574-5151

PF#440

Click It or Ticket!

The 2011 National Click It or Ticket Mobilization Campaign is from Monday, May 23 through Sunday, June 5, 2011.  In order to support national efforts to make Click It or Ticket a success, the California Office of Traffic Safety is asking traffic and patrol officers from every agency to join police departments across the State in conducting manximum visibility seat belt enforcement during the campaign time frame.  To assist with the campaign, Arcadia Police Officers will be conducting increased enforcement looking for seat belt and child restraint violations, both day and night.

From the Office of Traffic Safety website:

It only takes two seconds to buckle up. Two seconds! And those two seconds could literally save your life. They will also keep you from getting a ticket and a fine.

Law enforcement throughout California will be looking for drivers and passengers who don’t buckle up during the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign. They will be on the lookout for drivers and passengers - including passengers in the back seat, day and night.

Drive Safely!  Buckle Up!

Weekly Tip - Get Involved through LA Crime Stoppers

The Arcadia Police Department participates in Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers where you can submit crime tips to Law Enforcement anonymously.  This video is one of several PSA's that were made for LA Crime Stoppers, featuring some of the cast of the television show Reno 911! on ComedyCentral.  Take a look at the LA Crime Stoppers YouTube page for this and other PSA videos.

Remember that you can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by clicking on the "Submit a Tip" button on the APD Blog side bar.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 8-14, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-08.pdf

Arcadia Police Go High Tech to Search for Missing Children

Arcadia, CA — Arcadia Interim Police Chief Bob Guthrie has formalized an agreement with the A Child Is Missing Alert Program (ACIM) that has led to a high tech method now in place to search locally for missing children, missing elderly, and missing persons who may be mentally or physically challenged or disabled.

Effective immediately, upon receipt of most missing person calls, the Arcadia Police Department will make a phone call to a toll-free number that rings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—the national headquarters of the A Child Is Missing Alert Program, a nationwide non-profit organization. The call, answered 24/7/365 by an Information and Mapping Technician, initiates a rapid process of information gathering and use of sophisticated mapping systems. A Child Is Missing then launches potentially thousands of calls within minutes with an alert message detailing the missing person’s description, last known whereabouts, and pertinent information. The alert calls go out to residence and business phone numbers within a specified geographic area. The message will also include an Arcadia Police Department phone number for use by anyone with information relating to the missing person. To date, the efforts of A Child Is Missing have been credited with more than 850 safe assisted recoveries.

This program is a free service to law enforcement. Arcadia Police Department officials will evaluate each potential activation of the A Child Is Missing Alert Program to ensure the application is appropriate to the case and to ensure the system is optimally used. Policies, procedures, and employee training will also guide the most efficient and effective use of this Alert Program.

Phone numbers that are called by this program include listed numbers and mobile numbers available to ACIM in the selected area. Mobile numbers, unlisted numbers, broadband/voice-over IP numbers, or TDD/TTY devices can be added to ensure they, too, are called in the event of an alert. To enter your cell phone, unlisted, broadband/voice-over IP or TDD/TTY device number visit http://www.achildismissing.org/ and click on “add your name” to enter your name, number, and address. This information will only be used for emergency message alerts.

The City of Arcadia is home to many elderly residents, including a half-dozen specialized locations for retirement or assisted living. In addition to enhancing our abilities on missing children cases, the ACIM program also includes at risk elderly. In the last five years, Arcadia Police Officers have responded on about 400 calls for service related to missing persons, including both adult and children. The vast majority of these calls are resolved rather quickly, but it is our expectation that with the addition of the ACIM services, in combination with other departmental resources, our ability to resolve additional missing person cases in a timely and safe manner will increase.

Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Tom Le Veque

Sergeant

Checkpoint Scheduled for Weekend of Memorial Day

The Arcadia Police Department will be conducting a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Saturday, May 28, 2011, from about 6:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m., Sunday morning, at an undisclosed location within the City of Arcadia.  Members of the Arcadia Police Department Traffic Bureau will be joined by Officers from other area agencies in this joint checkpoint, grant funded through the California Avoid program.

Please don't drink and drive!  Plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or make other arrangements for a ride.  If you are on the road and see someone driving that you believe is impaired, dial 911. 

National Peace Officers Memorial Day

President Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day communities will spend paying tribute to officers who have paid the ultimate price for our safety and security.  Please take a moment to remember those in Law Enforcement that have served and died in service to their communities.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund website can be visited for more information on the events of National Police Week 2011.

Attempt Kidnap and Sexual Battery

Wanted for Attempt Kidnap and Sexual Battery

A 15 year old girl was walking home, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, on Santa Anita Avenue at Genoa Street, when she was approached by a male who convinced her to get into his car and assist him with directions. The male drove the girl into West Arcadia and then back to the area of Genoa Street and First Avenue. After stopping the car, the male suspect began rubbing the girl’s neck and shoulders while asking her if she had a boyfriend. The suspect then grabbed the girl’s breasts. The victim tried to get out of the car, but the door was locked. She persuaded the suspect to drive back toward Santa Anita Avenue, but he again stopped the car and began similar advances toward the girl. The victim was able to exit the car, but was grabbed on the arm by the suspect. She pulled away and ran off. The crime occurred at about 4:30 p.m.

SUSPECT: Male Hispanic, 30’s, short black hair, goatee, accent, white t-shirt/dark shorts

SUSPECT VEHICLE: 4-door Audi, silver, possible spoiler on rear, black leather, no tint

Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia Police Detectives at 626-574-5160. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Refer Case #11-2310

trl/376

DA Files Felony Vehicular Manslaughter Charge on Driver

The following press release was issued on May 12, 2011:

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony vehicular manslaughter charge today on the driver involved in a fatal collision that occurred in Arcadia in April. On Sunday, April 10, 2011, at about 6:40 p.m., Bowen Du, 19 years old, from Arcadia, was driving a 1997 Lexus westbound in the 600 block of Duarte Road, Arcadia, when his vehicle struck two teenage pedestrians, crossing the street in a mid-block crosswalk. Tragically, the collision took the life of one of the pedestrians. The first victim, a 16 year girl from Arcadia, was transported to Methodist Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later. The second victim, a 16 year old girl from Upland, was seriously injured and transported by Arcadia Fire Department Paramedics to a local hospital. She was treated and released on a later date.

The Arcadia Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team completed their investigation in recent days and presented the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office who filed one felony count of vehicular manslaughter on Bowen Du. A warrant in the amount of $50,000 was issued for Du, and through his attorney, arrangements have been made for Du to surrender to court.

We would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of both young victims in this case. After completing the investigation, it is our belief this collision was a tragic event that was preventable.

Our investigators have ruled out excessive speed, cell phone use, and intoxication on the part of the driver. They also confirmed that all crosswalk safety measures were in proper order and functioning at the time of this collision, with the exception of two in-ground LED lights. Evidence at the time of collision was collected and examined by Police Department personnel at the scene. The driver’s windshield was excessively dirty and results of our investigation revealed this vision obstruction, combined with the setting sun at the time of collision, played a major role in the cause of the collision.

Traffic and pedestrian safety is of paramount concern to all of us at the Arcadia Police Department. There are many facets to helping create and maintain safe streets and roadways. The Arcadia Police Department believes that it takes a rounded approach, including education, enforcement, and engineering, in promoting traffic safety. Personnel from the Department meet on a regular basis with other City personnel on the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC). Members of the committee include personnel from the City Engineering, Fire, Public Works, and Transportation Departments. The TAC takes a proactive approach to traffic issues in the City and implements change after extensive review and consideration. Pedestrian safety is a recurring topic with the TAC. Many crosswalks within the City have high-visibility signage and/or in-ground/sign-mounted flashing warning lights. The crosswalk at the scene of this collision was and is equipped with both.

Additionally, the Police Department has conducted several pedestrian stings and directed enforcement at this location and others along Duarte Road in an effort to increase awareness to safety and compliance with pedestrian related laws, on the part of both drivers and pedestrians.

The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Police Department are committed to the safe travel of all who live, work, and visit our City. We continually review traffic safety and roadway conditions so that improvements or changes can be made for the betterment of our community.

Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Tom Le Veque #376
Sergeant

Refer Case #11-1826

Blogger Platform Outage Leads to Lost Posts

Several blog posts have disappeared over the last 24 hours and Blogger hopes to have them restored "soon".  Our apologies if you are unable to now view a post from yesterday.  If the information is not restored soon , we will make attempts to re-post.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

This video is shared by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles and offers some excellent information on sharing the road with motorcycles and bicycles.  The video is 5-6 minute in length and well worth watching.  HERE is a tip that we ran on motorcylce safety and licensing last year.

Arcadia Senior Citizens of the Year

Our very own Jim and Margaret Barrows were recently named Senior Citizens of the Year in Arcadia.  Jim and Margaret are long-time volunteers with the Arcadia Police Department, participating in our patrol services (VIPS) program, as well as offering their help in many other areas of the Department.  Congrats to Jim and Margaret!  Take a look at the video and article, shared by the Arcadia Patch.

Traffis Stop Leads to Arrest & Seizure of about $80K in Ecstasy Pills

A traffic stop for a stop sign violation leads to the arrest of an 18 year old man in possession of about 8,000 ecstasy pills yesterday. The pills were packaged in 8 separate zip-lock bags, containing approximately 1,000 pills per bag. The total estimated street value of the pills is about $80,000.

Johnny V. Pham, resident of Rosemead, was stopped by an Arcadia Police Officer shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, on Golden West Avenue near Huntington Drive, for failing to stop at a stop sign. Pham was accompanied by a 17 year old male passenger from San Gabriel. During the traffic stop, officers saw what appeared to be a large zip-lock bag containing a large quantity of pills lying on the floorboard of the vehicle Pham was driving. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found an additional 7 large bags in the trunk, also containing similar pills, all appearing to be ecstasy.

Pham and his juvenile passenger were arrested for felony possession for sales and transportation of controlled substance. Both were booked at the Arcadia City Jail. Pham was later released after having a $100,000 bond posted. The juvenile was released on citation to a parent.

Stay Alert for Daytime Prowling and Burglary

Two mid-day prowling or attempt residential burglary incidents have been reported to the Arcadia Police Department in the last few days. The first occurred on Monday afternoon at about 1:00 p.m. in the 1600 block of Oakwood Avenue, when a suspect was seen peering through a kitchen window wearing a dark bandanna over his face. The suspect took off when the family dog began barking. He fled in an older model white van, no windows on the sides, driven by a second male. The van had been stopped in the driveway of the home. All this was witnessed by the resident’s child who had stayed home from school. Both suspects were only described as male Hispanics.

Yesterday, at about noon, a resident in the 100 block of East Longden Avenue noticed someone walk by a window, outside his home. The resident went outside thinking that the person was possibly his gardener, only to see a male suspect climbing through a rear window to the home. The resident yelled at the suspect who ran off to a car, stopped to the front of the home on the street. The suspect vehicle was driven by a female Hispanic who was waiting with the engine running. The male suspect was described as Hispanic, 25-30 years old, 5’-06”/180 lbs, muscular build, wearing a white t-shirt and dark shorts. The suspect vehicle was only described as a blue older model 4-door.

Aside from making you aware of these incidents and providing the suspect information, we would like to remind you, if you feel that a crime is occurring or has occurred, please call your local police department at the time of the event. Don’t hesitate to dial 911 for a crime in progress or in the case of any emergency.  A timely response can greatly increase the possibility of locating suspects involved in a crime.

It is unknown whether or not the incidents are related.  Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia Police Detectives at 626-574-5160.  You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by clicking on the "Submit a Tip" button on the APD Blog side bar.

Weekly Tip - Cover & Secure Your Load

It is not uncommon to find a pick-up truck or some form of flat bed hauling a load of sand, dirt, gravel, or other aggregate down the road. The problems come about when the load is not covered or improperly secured. California law is very straight forward and is in place to protect other drivers and vehicles on the roadway from debris being dropped or falling onto the road.

Aggregate material ( soil, sand, rocks, etc. ) can not be transported unless the bed or other area where it is placed is secure and free from holes or spaces where the material can escape and fall out. If material is left outside the enclosure, on a bed rail, bumper, etc, it must be removed prior to transporting. Additionally, the load may not come within 6" of the top of the enclosure and the load must be covered.

So, if you are a weekend warrior and grab a load of sand from the local supply lot, make sure to spread the load throughout the bed, bring a tarp to cover it, clean the rails and bumper, and make sure that none of the load can fall from the vehicle. Many of our Officers are commercial trained and conduct enforcement stops for size, weight, and load violations not only on large commercial trucks, but also on common pick-ups and small stake beds as well.

Refer CVC 23114 and all sub sections for specific requirements. This CVC section is long, describes each equipment requirement, and defines "aggregate material" for California drivers.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 1-7, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-01.pdf

Happy Mother's Day 2011

To all our Arcadia Police Department personnel who are mothers, and to all moms, we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.  ~Author Unknown

Social Media & Disaster Communication

This video is provided by C-SPAN and is of recent testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, focusing on Disaster Recovery and the use of Social Media & Disaster Communication.  The video gives good insight into some of the "why" agencies should and do participate in Social Media, providing examples from events as recent as the deadly tornadoes in the south.  Our communities have changed the way they communicate...even at a local level, it is important for public safety to do the same.

Weekly Tip - Schedule Message Delivery Times from Nixle

Nixle is used by the Arcadia Police Department to send alerts of all types to our community.  Through the Nixle service, we are able to keep you better informed of emergency information, police activity, traffic information such as road closures and major collisions, community activities, missing persons, and more.  Nixle is a great resource for the members of our community and the Arcadia Police Department values the participation of our subscribers.

A great feature for Nixle subscribers is the ability to customize your alerts.  Once you log into your page on Nixle, not only can you search for other local participating agencies, but you can also select the "account" tab on the top of the page and designate particular times for text alerts to reach your phone.  Not all agency use protocol is the same and if you subscribe to multiple agencies this will help ensure that you are not disturbed unnecessarily during night time hours.  We ask our personnel to not send alerts overnight unless an emergency exists, but some messages have slipped through.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our subscribers.

Most messages from the Arcadia Police Department will be sent between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 24-30, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_4-30.pdf