Weekly Activity Highlights for June 21 - 27, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.21.15.pdf

Foothill Unity Center Seeks Donations for "Back to School" Event

The Foothill Unity Center is conducting their annual "Back to School" event coming up in August, at the Santa Anita Race Track. In preparation for the event, the Arcadia Police Department has placed a collection bin in the police station lobby through July 22nd. The Foothill Unity Center is asking that donations of school supplies be made in order to help local low-income kids prepare for school. In addition to the usual school supplies like pencils, glue sticks, backpacks, lunch boxes, pens, and more, clothing suitable for school age kids is also being sought. For additional information, contact the Foothill Unity Center, at (626) 358-3486. Donations may also be made by mail or at their Monrovia facility located at 415 West Chestnut, Monrovia CA 91016.  Please note "Back to School Fair" on any donation.

Congrats to Two of Arcadia High's Scholarship Winners

Congratulations are in order for two of Arcadia High School's recent graduates!

Miguel Hernandez was the recipient of the 2015 Friends of the Arcadia Historical Society's, Lieutenant Ed Ostashay Scholarship. Miguel is also an APD Police Explorer and is planning on attending Citrus College. He is pictured with Gene Glasco, Arcadia City Clerk, and President of the Historical Society. This scholarship is in honor of retired APD Lieutenant Ed Ostashay who passed away in 2013. Ed was an avid classic car enthusiast and worked to obtain the restored APD unit, maintained by the Historical Society.

Michillinda Yao was the recipient of the 2015 Arcadia Police Officers' Association, Officer Albert E. Matthies Memorial Scholarship. Michillinda plans on attending Northwestern University. She is pictured with Officer Matthies' granddaughter, Vanessa Brooks, along with APD Detective Jeff Stark. This scholarship is in honor of APD Officer Albert Matthies who was killed in the line of duty in 1927. Officer Matthies remains the only Arcadia Police Officer killed in the line of duty in the Department's history.

Congrats to both Miguel and Michillinda - you honor the memory of Ed and Albert!

No Better Time to Join Our Police Explorer Post!

WHAT IS AN EXPLORER?

An explorer is a volunteer scout that participates in civilian observer ride-a-longs. He or she assists the police with searches for evidence; report writing, desk officer duties, command post operations, crime prevention surveillance, disaster assistance, crowd and traffic control, security at major events, and other challenging assignments, some of which help the Explorers earn money for their post. Explorers also participate in educational and recreational trips, which involve visits to other police agencies throughout California and the Nation. With the training and direction received as Police Explorers, many young men and women have gone on to choose law enforcement as a career. Others have chosen to enter the Armed Forces and are now serving around the world.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Arcadia Police Department Explorer Program is designed for youths 14 to 18 years of age. After graduating from the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy, explorers are assigned to Explorer Post 101. Police officers then work with the explorers in an effort to provide community service. Officers also provide insight and guidance to explorers who decide to pursue a career in law enforcement.

EXPLORER ACADEMY

Recruit Explorers attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Academy, Whittier location. Training includes instruction in crime prevention, basic law, report writing, drill and ceremonies, physical training, and other topics. Instruction is provided by current and retired Police Officers. Upon successfully completing the Academy requirements, recruits will receive a certificate verifying completion of training and an identification card.

QUALIFICATIONS

-Be at least 14 years of age and in the ninth grade, or 15 (regardless of the grade).

-Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all schoolwork.

-Pass an oral interview and a background investigation.

-Have no record of arrest convictions.

-Be free of any physical deficiencies that would jeopardize yourself or others.

-Maintain good moral character.

-Register with Learning for Life (Boy Scouts of America)

-Demonstrate a willingness to participate in Explorer activities.

-Attend and graduate from the Explorer Academy.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

All equipment and uniforms (except shoes) are provided by the Police Department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact a member of the Explorer Coordination Team at the Arcadia Police Department:

Detective Jeff Stark

Officer Wally Ashby

Officer Jordan Elders

(626) 574-5188 or (626) 574-5150

Weekly Tip - ALL Fireworks are Prohibited in Arcadia

Fireworks stands will soon be popping up in some surrounding communities. We would like to remind everyone, use or possession of any form of fireworks is illegal in the City of Arcadia. In addition to our officers watching for violations, the Arcadia Fire Department will also have area patrols through the 4th of July holiday. Violations may result in arrest or citation, and seizure of all fireworks.

The best and safest source of 4th of July entertainment can be found at a professional fireworks show. Check HERE for a list of shows throughout Los Angeles County (updated annually near the 4th).

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 14 - 20, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.14.15.pdf

Happy Father's Day 2015

The Arcadia Police Department wants to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Father's Day.  Enjoy the day and be safe.

Weekly Activity Highlights: June 7-13, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.7.15.pdf

Weekly Tip - Register for Alert Arcadia & More

The City of Arcadia's mass emergency notification system, Alert Arcadia, enables the City to provide important information to you quickly during time-sensitive or emergency situations.

The City will send messages to you primarily in crisis situations, such as fire, earthquake, severe weather, or other similar local emergencies. Messages may include safety alerts and directions on what to do, shelter locations, and evacuation orders.

Once signed up, you will receive time-sensitive messages in ways you customize and specify, including home phone (landline or VoIP), cell phone, work phone, text message, or e-mail.

In addition, if you own an Apple or Android device, you can also view City messages and manage your account settings through a free app called Blackboard MyConnect.

You decide the best ways for the City to alert you and who the City should alert. For example, you may add the contact information of your adult children or relatives, whether or not they live in Arcadia. Alternatively, family members may register directly and sign up for their own Alert Arcadia account.

Sign up for Alert Arcadia today. Stay informed.

We also continue to make use of other valuable platforms to deliver relevant and emergency information to the community!  Take advantage of Nixle, Twitter @ArcadiaPD, Nextdoor, Facebook, and stay connected with APD!  By using multiple platforms, we are able to reach the widest group of folks in our community - information you want, delivered through a platform you use.

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint Results

Listed below are the results of the DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint from Saturday night, June 13, 2015.

Total number of vehicles through the checkpoint:  3,870

Vehicles contacted at the Primary Inspection Area:  1,676

Vehicles contacted at the Secondary Inspection Area:  67

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) administered:  8

DUI Alcohol arrests:  4

DUI Alcohol/Drug Combo arrests:  1

Open Container citations:  2

Unlicensed driver arrests:  19

Suspended driver arrest:  3

Number of vehicle impounds:  2

Number of vehicles stored:   5

2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event where Law Enforcement throughout the world run with the "Flame of Hope" bringing awareness and support to Special Olympics. The Arcadia Police Department is proud to participate in the event, taking the hand-off of the torch near Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue from the Monrovia Police Department. Our personnel carry the torch west on Huntington Drive, south on Santa Anita Avenue, and turn west on Las Tunas Drive, ultimately handing off the torch to Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station, near Baldwin Avenue.

 

The torch reached Arcadia at about 10:45 am this morning where 12 members of APD/APOA carried on this tradition for a very worthy cause.  Thanks to all our runners and support personnel for their participation!

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 31 - June 6, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5.31.15.pdf

Weekly Tip - Wells Fargo "Smishing" Scam

Have you received a text on your cell phone telling you to contact Wells Fargo? If you receive such a text, delete it and DO NOT respond. This image was sent to us from an Arcadia resident. This form of phishing, known as smishing, is using SMS or text messaging in an attempt to gain your personal and confidential information. 

Glendora Police Department posted a similar warning this morning via their Facebook page. This type of scam pops up from time to time and has occurred nationwide, recently in the area using local telephone numbers.

Wells Fargo has good information posted on their website, along with reporting links should you be victimized.

"Never take action on a request for your personal or financial information, including account numbers, passwords, Social Security number or birth date. If you receive a text message expressing an urgent need for you to update your information, activate an account, or verify your identity by calling a phone number or submitting information, on a website, do not respond and delete it. These messages may be part of a phishing scam conducted by fraudsters in an attempt to capture your confidential account information and may be used to commit fraud."

Take the time to visit your bank or credit card websites and review recommendations on how to prevent fraudulent activity on your accounts. Most financial institutions have web pages dedicated to fraud prevention. Remember, never share your information unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of who you are dealing with. Banks and credit card companies will not call, text, or email you asking for personal, confidential information. 

Weekly Activity Highlights, May 24-30, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5.24.15.pdf

Weekly Tip - Helpful City Phone Numbers and Hotlines

The City maintains a webpage dedicated to easy access of phone numbers and hotlines to assist residents and visitors. You can access the page HERE.

We promote "See Something, Say Something" when it comes to crime, and this same idea applies to problems like graffiti, shopping carts, or signals not properly working. Our officers report problems as they encounter them in the field, but you can greatly assist us in maintaining the quality of life by reporting issues as you see them in your neighborhood.

If you happen to witness crimes in progress, please report them to our Dispatchers at 626.574.5123. Vandalism and theft/removal of shopping carts are offenses in California.

We can all play a part in maintaining the great quality of life in Arcadia!