Road Closure for Santa Anita Derby Day 5K

The 20^th Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run & Walk will be held on Saturday, April 5^th, 2014.  As a result of this event, vehicles driving on Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard will be delayed or diverted from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  It is recommended that alternate routes be used during this time period to avoid being detoured or delayed.

Questions or concerns may be directed to Sergeant Brian Ortiz or the on-duty Watch Commander at the Arcadia Police Department, (626) 574-5156.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

POALAC Innovation Award- Sergeant Tom LeVeque

On March 27, 2014, the Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC) held their annual Centurion Awards Ceremony.  Our very own Sergeant Tom LeVeque was recognized for his work in Social Media and awarded the Innovation Award.   

Several years ago, Tom recognized that Social Media was a great median to engage our community and get information out in a timely manner.  Since that time, his foresight has proven true. Tom's contributions have helped bring Law Enforcement Social Media (or #LESM) to where it is today.  

The motto of the Arcadia Police Department is "Making a Difference."  Sergeant LeVeque truly has made a difference, not only in our department, but in the field of Law Enforcement Social Media.  

Nice work Tom and congratulations on your well deserved award and recognition.  

Here is a brief biography of Sergeant LeVeque's career and accomplishments:

Sergeant Tom Le Veque, Arcadia Police Department

With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Sergeant Tom Le Veque is currently assigned as the Detective Bureau Supervisor for the Arcadia Police Department.  As an ancillary duty, Tom coordinates the Social Media and Communications platforms for the Department.  He co-instructs a Basic Social Media for Law Enforcement course offered through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST), and has been a presenter or panel member on behalf of the California Police Chiefs Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, Southern California Public Radio, Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and the S.M.I.L.E. Conference series.  Tom has also authored and contributed to articles published by the Cal Chiefs News and the  ConnectedCOPS.net website.
   

San Marino Police Department:

·        Police Explorer   1978-1982

·        Police Cadet       1982-1984

·        LASD Academy   1984-1985

·        Police Officer     1985-1987

Arcadia Police Department (Lateral Police Officer):

·        Police Officer     1987-1991

o   Field Training Officer

o   Traffic Officer

o   Explorer Advisor

o   LAIMPACT (Task Force) 1990-1991

·        Police Sergeant  1991-Present

o   FTO Supervisor

o   Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute  2002-2003

o   Traffic/Motor Sergeant  2005-2008

o   Detective Bureau Supervisor  1996-1999, 2009-Present

o   Social Media Coordinator  2010-Present

o   CA POST Instructor  2010-Present

·        Acting Police Lieutenant   2011-2013

o   Detective Bureau Commander

Achievements:

·        Medal of Merit   2005

·        Community Service Ribbon  2006

·        Officer of the Year  2006 and 2011

·        Life-Saving Award  2013

Weekly Activity Highlights for March 16 - 22, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_3.16.14.pdf

Weekly Tip- Traffic Collisions

Traffic collisions can be stressful and confusing. Take the time to be prepared ahead of time so that collecting information accurately and completely will be easy. Check with your insurance agent or a local body shop, sometimes they will supply you with a pre-printed check list that you can keep in your glove box. Another resource is the DMV. There is a page devoted to collision information, including reporting requirements to the State. See the DMV page HERE.

The first thing to do is to check for injuries to you or any other involved driver or passenger. If someone is injured, call 9-1-1 and report the collision immediately. If there are injuries that require medical attention, leave the vehicles in place until police and fire personnel arrive.

If no one is hurt and the vehicles are drivable, remove them from the roadway and pull to the side of the road, into a parking lot or on to a side street, out of traffic. Evaluate the damage and if there is substantial damage or injury, the police should be called to the scene. If the damage is minor and no one is injured, exchanging information between drivers is acceptable. Most drivers believe that a police report is always required. This is NOT the case and some agencies will not even respond to minor collisions. Absent prosecution for major collisions, death, hit and run, unlicensed drivers etc, the police report is simply paperwork for the insurance companies.

When exchanging information, record the following:

•Date, time and location of the collision

•Name, address and phone numbers for all drivers and passengers

•Drivers license numbers for involved drivers

•Insurance company name, policy number and policy holder for all drivers or vehicles

•Complete vehicle information of involved vehicles to include license number, make, model, color, description such as pick-up, four door etc and name of registered owner if different

•Description of any damage

•Photographs of damage, or lack there of, other parties and scene if safe to do so

•Note lane position of each vehicle and where the vehicles were prior to and at time of collision

•Note any unusual conditions such as inoperative lights, vision obstruction

•Note/photograph any physical evidence like skids or debris resulting from collision

Remember, you must carry with you and present to a police officer, your driver's license, proof of insurance and current vehicle registration when stopped by an officer or involved in a collision.

In California it is a crime to not stop if you are involved in a traffic collision.  As mentioned above, usually traffic collisions are just paperwork for insurance companies.  When you fail to stop when involved in a collision, you can be charged criminally.  The fact that you don't have a valid driver's license or current auto insurance is not worth being charged with a Hit-and-Run. 

Be safe, slow down, and wear your seat belt!!

Watch Out for Pedestrians in Crosswalks! Traffic Officers will be Watching for Drivers Failing to Yield!

The Arcadia Police Department Traffic Bureau will be out this afternoon looking for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians.  Watching for pedestrians is important everyday, but our officers will be emphasizing the importance through high-visibility enforcement as part of our participation in a grant funded "Crosswalk Sting" at various locations throughout the City.

Here is a link to a past APD Blog post on Crosswalks, Pedestrians, and Right of Way.  Take a look at the post for tips, laws, and safety information.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards for Arcadia Officers

Officer Zach Schumaker (left) and Sergeant Brett Bourgeous (right) each received honors from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in a ceremony held this morning.  Officer Schumaker was awarded the MADD DUI Award for DUI enforcement and arrests of 27 persons during 2013 for Driving Under the Influence.  Sergeant Bourgeous was one of ten officers who received the AVOID the 100 Distinguished Service Medal from MADD and the Officer of Traffic Safety.  Sergeant Bourgeous planned, coordinated, and managed the AVOID DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout 2013 in the local law enforcement region.  Congratulations to Officer Schumaker and Sergeant Bourgeous. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for March 9 - 15, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_3.9.14.pdf

Weekly Tip- Be prepared

Did you feel that?  It's very likely that you heard this at least once yesterday after Southern California was struck by a moderate earthquake. Although this most recent quake was relatively small, it serves as a reminder to be prepared.  

Several local news reporters were on the air when the earthquake hit yesterday morning and they immediately did what Californian's have been taught for decades.  They took cover under their desk, seeking shelter from potential falling debris.  Although many people on social media made light of their actions, they did exactly what they should have done.

When an earthquake hits: Drop! Cover! and Hold On!  

Here are a couple of suggestions for being prepared:

• Have a plan and make sure your family knows it.
• Have enough food/water for several days.
• Keep and extra supply of prescription medicine.
• If you have pets, have extra food/water for them too.
• Keep an earthquake kit (flashlight, batteries, am/fm radio, first aid kit, spare clothes, etc).
• Know where your natural gas shut off valve is and how to turn it off.

These are just a few basic tips.  There are plenty of websites that offer additional suggestions, tips, and even earthquake kits for sale.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2014!

Wishing everyone a great St. Patrick's Day! Celebrate responsibly - Don't Drink and Drive!

DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                    March 16, 2014

          

ARCADIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

 

The Arcadia Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at the intersection of

Baldwin Avenue & Gate 8 on Saturday, March 15^th, 2014 from 9 PM to 3 AM.  A summary

of our enforcement efforts is listed below:

     

2969—Vehicles Passed Through the Checkpoint

2057—Vehicles Were Screened/Contacted

54—Vehicles Were Contacted in the Secondary Inspection Area

12—Field Sobriety Tests Were Administered

4—DUI Alcohol Arrests

1—Minor with BAC of +.01%

2—Traffic Warrant Arrests

1—Open Container Citation

12—Unlicensed Driver Citations

5—Suspended License Arrests/Citations

5—30 Day Vehicle Impounds

               7—1 Day Vehicle Storages

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.  Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly and use a sober

designated driver.

 

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 a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic

Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

 

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

 

By: Brett Bourgeous

Traffic Sergeant

Weekly Tip- Social Media Monitoring

 

 

 

Although the Arcadia Police Department's Social Media Team is very dilligent about monitoring our various social media platforms, they are not monitored 24/7.  In the event you have an emergency please call 911.  If you need to report a crime or have general question which require immediate answers please contact us by calling (626)574-5150.  Otherwise, please feel free to engage us through any or all of our social media platforms. 

Upcoming DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint-March 15, 2014

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                    March 15, 2014

           

ARCADIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Upcoming DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint

 

The Arcadia Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint in the city limits during

the evening hours of Saturday, March 15^th, 2014.  The Arcadia Police Department recently 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 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.  Celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day responsibly this year and use a sober designated driver. Any loss of a life is far too

steep a price to pay for a fun night out. 

 

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 a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic

Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

 

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

 

By: Brett Bourgeous

Traffic Sergeant

 

 

 

Weekly Activity Highlights for March 2- March 8, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_3.2.14.pdf

"Spring Forward" time change

Don't forget, tonight we "Spring Forward."  Officially on Sunday morning at 2:00 am time changes to Daylight Savings Time and it becomes 3:00 am.  Set your clocks before you go to bed so you aren't late to any important appointments.

APD Blog Milestone- 1000th Post

The Arcadia Police Department’s blog hits a milestone today with our 1000^th post.  The idea of sharing information and engaging our community was the main reason Sergeant Tom LeVeque started the APD Blog back in February 2010.  Next came Facebook, Twitter, and Nixle.  Since that time social media has become extremely popular and new platforms have been introduced.  The Arcadia Police Department can now be found on other social media sites such as Pinterest, NextDoor, Instagram, and Vine.  We encourage you to reach out and engage with us. 

Weekly Tip - Stop at Blacked Out Signals!

What will you do when you come upon a blacked out or inoperative traffic signal?  California law is pretty straightforward for drivers coming upon inoperative signals at an intersection. STOP! If the signals are blacked out and not working, drivers must treat the intersection as a stop sign. CVC 21800(d)(1) is the section that governs inoperative signals. If there is a Police Officer directing traffic, you must proceed as directed. Otherwise, stop and proceed when safe to do so. Power outages, collision damage, storm-related problems, equipment failure, all can contribute to a blacked out signal. Always be alert, watch ahead, and drive smartly.

Weekly Activity Highlights for February 23 - March 1, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_2.23.14.pdf

Officers Participate with Literacy Week and Read Across America at Highland Oaks School

Officer Botello and Sergeant Davis visited Highland Oaks School and participated in the Literacy Week and Read Across America program, reading to students in Mrs. Siriani's class yesterday.  The students enjoyed the interaction and one parent wrote to Mrs. Siriani, saying, her daughter "enjoyed the visit from the police officer.  She thought it was extremely awesome to be so close to an actual police officer and learned from him!!. She used to be scared of the police but now she knows that they are friendly and are here to keep us safe!"

Thanks to the class and Mrs. Siriani for taking the time to send us the photo card and thank you!  Officer Botello is pictured above with the Highland Oaks class.

Coffee with a Cop at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall