Happy New Year! Welcome 2014!

Wishing you the best in 2014!

As always, please party responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive!

News Release: Overnight Commercial Burglary at Nordstrom

Incident: Commercial Burglary
Date and Time of Release: December 31, 2013, 3:30 p.m.

At approximately 4:11 A.M. on December 31, 2013, the Arcadia Police Department had officers respond to 400 S. Baldwin Ave, Nordstroms at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. They were investigating the report of an audible burglary alarm.

Officers discovered a smashed out west side lower level window leading into the store.
Inside of the store, the jewelry cases were smashed and an unknown amount of jewelry was stolen. In addition, there was an unknown amount of designer women’s purses stolen. No suspects were found inside of the store.

Nordstrom video surveillance shows three suspects wearing dark clothing entering the store. The suspects exited an emergency exit that activated the alarm
.
Nordstrom officials estimate an approximate loss of $100,000.00 to $200,000.00 in jewelry and $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 in purses.

The investigation is being conducted by the Arcadia Police Department Detective Bureau. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626)574-5150. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police


By: Lieutenant Mike Castro
Operations Division
Refer Case #13-6340

Visiting Arcadia for the Rose Bowl or the Rose Parade?

Visitors in town for the parade or big game?  Have a friend staying at one of our local hotels?  Nixle is a great resource for those living in town or visitors to the area.  The two major agencies responsible for Tournament of Roses activity both have active Nixle accounts and share valuable safety information with the public.  The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, along with other local police agencies like Arcadia, Burbank, and South Pasadena, all use the Nixle platform for instant messaging.

We would like to encourage everyone, including those visiting the area, to take advantage of these services and subscribe to local public safety before the need arises.

A simple method to subscribe for Nixle alerts is to text your zip code, or perhaps the zip code for your local hotel, to 888777.  For those in Arcadia, text either 91006 or 91007 to 888777 and you will be included in any emergency alerts sent by APD.  Check with your host or concierge for the local zip code for your area hotel in neighboring cities.

You can also download our smart phone app for links to other information and services.

Weekly Tip - New Year's Eve Safety

We will celebrate New Year's Eve this week and there are a number of things to consider when it comes to celebrating safely. Here are a few things to think about for our New Years celebrations:

•Don't Drink and Drive!

•Use a designated driver, or if need be, call Jan's Don't Drive Drunk Detour Program for a ride home for you and your car. See Jan's Towing website for details.

•DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.

•Stay inside at the stroke of midnight! Celebrate with friends and family indoors.

•Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.

Remember to celebrate safely and smartly. Enjoy the New Year celebration!

Farewell to an Old Friend...Officer Chuck Chapman - End of Watch, December 26, 2013

We lost one of our family today with the sudden passing of Retired Officer Charles "Chuck" Chapman.  Chuck retired from the Arcadia Police Department in March of 2002.  He put in over thirty years with APD, first as a Police Cadet in 1967, and later sworn in as a Police Officer in 1970.  Chuck was drafted and served in Vietnam in 1968.

During his long career, Chuck worked many years as a Traffic Officer, partnered with a K9 during the mid-1980's, and worked in the Detective Bureau handling Collision Investigations in the 1990's.

Chuck was a friend to many throughout Arcadia and loved the Santa Anita Race Track.  Sad, but very fitting, his EOW is on Opening Day of the 2013-2014 race season at Santa Anita.  Whether we knew him as Chuck, Officer Chapman, "Sqautch", "52-Tom", or "Portable 86", he was always a loving Dad and husband to his family.  Chuck was 64 years old.

We will post additional information on services/condolences for Officer Chapman as they become available, as Chuck has been residing out of state.

News Release: Upcoming DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint & DUI Saturation Patrol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                    December 26, 2013

Upcoming DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint & DUI Saturation Patrol

The Arcadia Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint during the evening hours of Saturday, December 28th and a DUI Saturation Patrol on December 31st, 2013.  Said enforcement efforts will be conducted during the California Office of Traffic Safety’s “December DUI Crackdown,” which runs from December 13th thru December 31st.  Additionally, members of the Arcadia Police Department will participate in 4 multi-agency DUI task force operations as part of the AVOID 100 program during this same time frame.

Earlier this year, the Arcadia Police Department received two grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways, through the use of DUI checkpoints, specialized enforcement efforts and public awareness. 

   

One of the goals of our enforcement activity this holiday season is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  This will be accomplished by providing a highly visible enforcement and publicity campaign, in order to deter intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and driving.  Through these efforts, we also seek to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with collisions involving intoxicated drivers.

We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired.  Give the gift of life this holiday season and celebrate responsibly by using a sober designated driver.  Remember, “Friends don’t let friend’s drive while impaired.”

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.  Remember, the solution begins with you! 

Funding for these operations is provided from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Report Drunk Drivers.  Call 9-1-1!

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Brett Bourgeous

Traffic Sergeant

Merry Christmas 2013

From our house to yours, the men and women of the Arcadia Police Department wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Thank you to all those in public safety who are working on this Christmas Eve and Day - Be Safe!

Road Closure, Traffic, and No Parking Information for December 26th in Arcadia

The day after Christmas is sure to bring many visitors, shoppers, and racing fans to the City of Arcadia. The Westfield Santa Anita Mall will be filled with people seeking sales, exchanges, and returns. The Santa Anita Race Track comes to life once again, with opening day for live racing. Yes, this coming Thursday, December 26th, will surely be a busy day in town!

The mall can be accessed off Baldwin Avenue and Huntington Drive. Shoppers may see gate closures inside Gate 8 (north of JC Penney) and best times for arriving or departing the mall would be earlier in the morning, mid-afternoon, or evening hours, after the race track has closed.

The majority of Race Track patrons leave between the hours of 3:00pm - 7:00pm, so the following closures and restrictions will be in place during that time period:

BALDWIN AVENUE:

- Traffic congestion between Huntington Drive & the 210 freeway

- There will be No Parking on Baldwin Avenue between Hugo Reid and Huntington Drive from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

HUNTINGTON DRIVE:

- There will be No Left Turns from E/B Huntington to N/B Baldwin Avenue (Left Turn Lanes will be Closed from 3pm-7pm)

- There will be No Right Turns from W/B Huntington Drive to N/B Baldwin Avenue (Right Lane Closed from 3pm–7pm)

COLORADO PLACE:

- All Southbound lanes of Colorado Place will be closed at the intersection with Colorado Boulevard (closure in effect from 4pm – 7pm). All traffic will be detoured onto E/B Colorado Blvd towards Santa Anita Avenue.

If you would like to avoid the traffic congestion in these areas, you are advised to use the following alternate routes:

ALTERNATE NORTH/SOUTH ROUTES:

Michillinda Avenue

Santa Anita Avenue

ALTERNATE EAST/WEST ROUTES:

Foothill Boulevard

Duarte Road

Santa Anita Race Track gates will open at 10:00 am and the first post is at noon. Racing fans can access Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue, however, other gates may be less congested. Suggested routes for easier access may include;

From the west or northbound on Baldwin Avenue, use Huntington Drive to Gate 3 at Holly Avenue.

From the south, use Santa Anita Avenue to Campus Drive for Gate 3 access, or to Huntington Drive for access to Gates 5 and 6.

From the east, use Huntington Drive or Colorado Boulevard/Place to access Gates 5 and 6.

Police officers will be manning traffic signals and certain intersections throughout the day. Traffic will be heavy and you should expect delays. Allow extra time for your travel and please be patient.

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 15 - 21, 2013

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_12.15.13.pdf

Weekly Tip - Last Minute Shopping? Think about Personal Safety!

Our personal safety is something that we should always be considering, especially when out in public. The shopping season is in full swing and our shopping centers will be packed these last days before Christmas Here are some tips and thoughts on steps you can take to help maintain your personal safety:

•Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store, and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff.

•Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness you can be. Without good suspect descriptions it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals, and hopefully, help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.

•Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't. 

•Make a Scene! - Drawing attention to yourself, and more importantly, to the suspect, can not only deter the crime but also bring forward other witnesses and possibly help. Yell, scream, use a whistle, run away...

•Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle or set off your car alarm if needed. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.

Query the topic of personal safety on-line. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!

Holiday Hours for Records Section and Front Desk

The Records Section of the Arcadia Police Department will be close at 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, and will be closed Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th.  The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26th.

On New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31st, the Records Section will close at 6:00 p.m. and will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1st. 

The lobby will be accessible for emergency assistance.  Parking permits are not required through January 5, 2014.  All other parking violations will be enforced.

Please see the following post for daily operating hours in the Records Section: 

http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-operating-hours-for-apd-records.html 

Santa Trades Sleigh for a Police Helicopter

Santa arrived at Huntington Memorial Hospital via a Pasadena Police Department helicopter yesterday, delivering toys to children in the pediatric unit. This has been an annual tradition carried out by the PPD Air Support Unit for many years. PPD provides air support for the Arcadia Police Department through the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST).

APD Detective Mike Hale is a Tactical Flight Officer with FAST and had the honor of playing Santa for the children this year. PPD Chief Phil Sanchez accompanied Santa and his Elf for the journey.

After the visit to HMH, Santa and his PPD Air Support elves made their way to the Peace Over Violence Center in Pasadena.  This was a bit more conventional ride in a police unit.

Congrats on SWAT Team Service Plaques

Congrats to Sergeant Brett Bourgeous and Detective Tony Juarez, both awarded service plaques for time dedicated to our SWAT Team. Both are leaving the team in pursuit of other details within the organization. Brett served for ten years as an operator and team leader. Tony served for six years as an operator. Thanks to both for their service! (Pictured left to right are Lt. Tom Cullen, Sgt. Brett Bourgeous, Det. Juarez, and Chief Bob Guthrie)

News Release: Upcoming DUI/Driver's License Checkpont and DUI Saturation Patrol

News Release:  Upcoming DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrol

The Arcadia Police Department will host a multi-agency DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint during the evening hours of Saturday, December 21st, as part of the AVOID the 100 DUI Task Force. This checkpoint will be conducted during the California Office of Traffic Safety's "December DUI Crackdown", which runs from December 13th thru December 31st. Additionally, this is one of four, multi-agency AVOID the 100 Task Force operations scheduled in our region during this time frame.  The checkpoint on Saturday will be at an undisclosed location in the City of Arcadia.

One of the goals of our enforcement activity this holiday season is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. This will be accomplished by providing a highly visible enforcement and publicity campaign, in order to deter intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and driving through these efforts, we also seek to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with collision involving intoxicated drivers.

We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. it simply is not worth it to driver while impaired. Give the gift of life this holiday season and celebrate responsibly by using a sober designated driver. Remember, "Friends don't let friends drive while impaired."

Jan's Towing provides a no cost "Don't Drive Drunk Detour Program", 365 days a year, and will provide a free lift home for drivers and their vehicles up to 7 miles in their service area. Call (626)334-1383 for more information. Don't forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Nixle for other pertinent news and information. Remember, the solution begins with you!

Funding for this operation is provided from the California Officer of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers, Call 9-1-1!

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

by:  Brett Bourgeous

      Traffic Sergeant

Civilian of the Year Award 2013

Congratulations to Management Analyst Jennifer Brutus on receiving the Arcadia Police Department Civilian of the Year Award for 2013.  Chief Bob Guthrie presented Jennifer with her award in a ceremony at APD on Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

Jennifer is a hard-working and dedicated employee who Chief Guthrie described as, " ...having a high level of skill and competence, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to always help out." Jennifer is largely responsible for helping to maintain the budget and other administrative duties within our agency. This is a well-deserved award!

Jennifer started with the Department in 2010 as an Administrative Assistant for the Detective Bureau.  She tested early this year for the Management Analyst position and was appointed to the position in March 2013.

Please join us in congratulating Management Analyst Jennifer Brutus on her award.

News Release: Automobile vs. Pedestrian Fatal Collision

Incident: Traffic Collision, Automobile vs. Pedestrian
Date and Time of Release: December 18, 2013, 7:40 p.m.

The Arcadia Police Department had officers respond to the intersection of Santa Anita Avenue and La Sierra Drive at approximately 5:36 p.m. on December 18, 2013. They were investigating the report of a traffic collision, involving a pedestrian.

The automobile was traveling southbound in the number two lane of Santa Anita Avenue. The driver is a 36-year-old female resident of Monterey Park. The pedestrian was struck while walking in the number two lane of southbound Santa Anita Avenue. The driver stopped at the scene of the collision. Arcadia Paramedics treated the pedestrian at the scene but, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. The pedestrian was an 83-year-old male resident of West Covina.

The investigation is being conducted by the Arcadia Police Department Detective Bureau’s Major Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626)574-5150. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Lieutenant Mike Castro

Operations Division

Refer Case #13-6100

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 8 - 14, 2013

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/13514518122013weekly_12.8.13.pdf

Residential Burglary Not Just a Daytime Problem

The holiday season traditionally brings more than good cheer - it brings an increase in property crime as well. Residential burglary along the foothill corridor is displayed on this screenshot of our CrimeMapping platform. You can see residential burglary noted from Pasadena to Monrovia in this shot, a good number of crimes occurring near the freeway area. While many of the residential burglary reports indicate daytime hours of occurrence, several of the Arcadia crimes have occurred in the early evening hours through about 8:00 p.m.

Please take a look at our recent APD Blog post on Burglary Prevention at Home for tips and additional information. And, as always, please be our eyes and ears in your neighborhoods. The Department has deployed additional officers specifically targeting residential burglary intervention, both in marked and unmarked units, but you know your neighborhood best. If you See Something, Say Something! 

2013 APD Officer of the Year

(Pictured left to right are Detective Troy Hernandez, Detective Steve Turner, and Chief Bob Guthrie)

Chief Bob Guthrie and Arcadia Police Officers' Association Vice-President Troy Hernandez presented Detective Steve Turner with the 2013 Officer of the Year award at the recent APOA Christmas party. Detective Turner was nominated by several members for his leadership and dedication to the APOA, for his diligent and continuous work as a Crimes-Persons Detective, and his career long commitment to Making a Difference in our organization and community.

Steve started his career with the Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department in 1985 after attending the Rio Hondo Police Academy. He lateraled to APD in 1987 and has worked numerous assignments to include: Traffic and Motor Officer, Field Training Officer, Patrol, and in the Detective Bureau, working a Fraud desk for several years prior to moving to Crimes-Persons assignment for the last three years. In 2006, Steve also received the APD Community Service Ribbon for his work in helping develop and implement our Video Parking Enforcement Program.

Detective Steve Turner is well respected by his peers and supervisors alike. He has served as APOA President over the course of 2013 and has been on the Board of Directors in previous years as well. This award is well deserved!  Congratulations Steve!

Weekly Tip - Help Us Prevent Package Theft

Have you ordered Christmas presents over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail? Chances are that those packages will be delivered straight to your front porch. The majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. This time of year brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent a theft of your packages:

• Use your workplace as the shipping address.
• Track your shipments by phone or on-line so you know what day they should arrive.
• Ask you neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area.
• Request a signature delivery option, if available.
• Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office.
• Utilize a "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

Annual Chief's Christmas Breakfast 2013

 (Chief Bob Guthrie is pictured with members of the Vons Management Team)

Chief Bob Guthrie carried out a long standing Arcadia Police Department tradition this morning, hosting the Chief's Annual Christmas Breakfast. The breakfast is a great event where current and former members of APD can gather to share memories and a meal prepared by the Chief and fellow police management staff. In addition to the APD family, all City employees and City staff are invited to attend, along with our elected officials.

There was a great turnout today with well over 250 plates served. A special thanks to Vons Corporation, Nichol's Egg Ranch, and Papa Cantella's for the generous donations of food for the event.

For additional photos, please visit our APD Facebook page.

Coffee with a Cop

We held our 1st Coffee with a Cop event this morning at McDonald's on Foothill Boulevard in Arcadia. From grade school and high school students, to seniors, business folks, and neighbors, there was a steady group of people stopping to say hello. Thank you to all who came and engaged with us!

APD hopes to make this type of event a quarterly function of our Community Outreach Office. CSO Mike Vercillo coordinated the event and can always be reached at 626.821.2648 for any questions about this or other Community Outreach activity.

Thanks again to the staff and management of our local McDonald's located at 143 East Foothill Boulevard, Arcadia, for hosting us!

Take a look at some additional photos on the APD Facebook Page.

Weekly Tip - Wireless Emergency Alerts

Prolonged vibration notification, unusual sounds coming from your cell phone? You may be receiving a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) from an authorized government or public safety agency, the National Weather Service, or from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The types of alerts may include:

• Extreme weather advisories
• Other threatening emergencies in a particular area
• Amber Alerts
• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

The WEA message will look similar to a text message and will be no longer than 90 characters. Most newer model cellular phones are WEA-capable and are set to receive the WEA message. You do have the ability to opt-out of all alerts other than Presidential Alerts. Consult your cellular phone guide for the individual opt-out procedure.

When a WEA message is sent by the authorized agency, the broadcast area is set and the recipients are based on their location within a given cell provider's coverage area. If your phone is within range of the broadcast area, you will receive the WEA message. These messages are similar to an emergency broadcast message to a given television viewing area. Most major carriers participate in this program and have done so since April 2012. WEA messages are free of charge.

The WEA message is not meant to replace emergency or instant messaging systems in use by public safety, but rather, an additional platform used to reach the community. Nixle and Alert Arcadia, along with our other platforms, will continue to be used. Use of multiple platforms allow us to reach those who may prefer or require simple text messages, phone messages, or more detailed web and email messages via computer or smart phone.

For additional information on the WEA Alerts, please visit the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts

(Sample WEA message)

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 1 - 7, 2013

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_12.01.13.pdf

Holiday Suspension of Overnight Parking Enforcement

Residents and visitors will not have to obtain temporary overnight parking permits for passenger vehicles parked on the City streets from December 15, 2013 through January 5, 2014. This permit suspension affords the community the opportunity to entertain guests and visitors without worrying about purchasing permits during the holidays.

This enforcement suspension pertains only to overnight parking restrictions for passenger vehicles between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. All other parking restrictions remain in effect and will be enforced, such as time zones, street sweeping, curb markings, etc.

The 2014 permits are available at the City Hall Cashier's Office and are being honored for the remainder of 2013, if properly displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact the APD Watch Commander at (626) 574-5156.

Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute Graduate

(Pictured left to right are Captain Larry Goodman, Sergeant Vaughan Whalen, Chief Bob Guthrie, Captain Paul Foley, and Lieutenant Mike Castro)

Sergeant Vaughan Whalen graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) yesterday after completing the 9-month course. Vaughan joins many other Arcadia Police Department supervisors and managers who have attended this valuable program. The courses are offered through the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training several times each year and alternate between northern and southern California. Vaughan traveled to the San Diego area for his classes, attending a 3-4 day session each month. Students receive reading and research assignments for each session and demand a good deal of time and effort. Congratulations to Sergeant Vaughan Whalen on his achievement.

From the POST site: 

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.

During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:

• Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values

• Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities

• Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals

• Analyze issues from multiple perspectives

• Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others

• Provide support and development for peers and subordinates

• Recognize and address areas for personal improvement

• Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities

A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a "how-to" course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.

Arcadia Police Officers Honored at City Council Meeting

 (Pictured left to right are Chief Bob Guthrie, Sergeant Jason Davis, Detective Wally Ashby, Detective Tony Juarez, Captain Larry Goodman, and Captain Paul Foley)

Three of the Arcadia Police Department’s finest were recognized last night at the Arcadia City Council Meeting: one Medal of Merit Award and two Life Saving Awards.

Detective Wally Ashby was presented the Department’s Medal of Merit for his significant contributions to charity events on behalf of Special Olympics over the course of the last few years.  In addition to his participation and assistance in coordinating the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Southern California Torch Run, Detective Ashby created the annual Battle of the Badges charity basketball game between the Arcadia Police and Fire Departments.  This annual event has evolved into a community function with outside sponsorships, contributions, and participation by multiple San Gabriel Valley Police and Fire Departments.  The Arcadia Battle of the Badges events have raised in excess of $15,000.00 to date in support of Special Olympics.  Detective Ashby was recently honored and recognized for his dedication to the Special Olympics at the 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics International Conference in Florida.

Sergeant Jason Davis was presented the Department’s Life Saving Award for his actions at the scene of a serious injury vehicle collision in April 2013.  A passenger riding in an involved vehicle in the collision suffered a severe laceration to his upper right arm by broken glass.  The laceration was bleeding profusely when Sergeant Davis arrived on scene.  Due to other emergency calls for service in the City, Arcadia Fire rescue ambulances were unable to respond to this injury collision, and the closest available ambulance was responding from the City of San Marino.  In an attempt to control the profuse bleeding, Sergeant Davis applied a tourniquet to the arm of the victim.  Paramedics arrived and the victim was transported to a local trauma center for treatment.  The Trauma Program Manager at the hospital commended the actions of Sergeant Davis saying the victim potentially could have bled to death without the application of the tourniquet.

Detective Tony Juarez was presented the Department’s Life Saving Award for his actions in conducting Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on a 15-month old baby in August 2013.  Detective Juarez was conducting surveillance in the City of Pasadena as part of his assignment to the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force when he heard a radio broadcast of an “infant not breathing” call at a nearby residence.  Detective Juarez responded to the home and was the first emergency responder on scene.  He found the baby in obvious distress and not breathing.  Detective Juarez rendered immediate first aid checking the baby for pulse and breathing obstructions.  Detective Juarez commenced emergency breathing and chest compressions on the baby, repeating the process for several minutes until the arrival of Pasadena Fire Department personnel who assumed primary care and took over CPR.  Family members of the baby commended Detective Juarez and said his actions no doubt saved her life.

On behalf of the entire Arcadia Police Department and Chief Guthrie, we would like to thank each of these Department members and congratulate them on these well-deserved awards.  Wally, Jason, and Tony, we are proud of you and salute you on your awards!

Weekly Tip - Don't Let the Thief Shop in Your Car!

Vehicle burglaries are reported to local police throughout the year. However, during the holiday season, mall parking lots and parking structures are packed with vehicles that are sometimes stuffed with presents and packages. Just like presents under your family Christmas tree being an invite for a child's curiosity, your car filled with packages is an invitation for theft and auto burglary. Here are some tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim this holiday season:

•Park in well lighted areas.

•Lock your vehicle and set your alarm.

•If you must leave packages in your car, keep them out of sight. Some stores and malls offer to hold your packages while you shop. Pick all of them up when you are done shopping.

•Do NOT make multiple trips to your vehicle. Thieves watch and wait in parking lots targeting persons leaving items in their cars.

•Be aware of your surroundings! Look about and see who is around when you park.