Memorial Day 2016

The men and women of the Arcadia Police Department want to say "Thank You" to all members of the United States Armed Forces who currently serve, or served our country.

To the men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you!

We urge you to take the time to say "Thanks" to our veterans and to current members of our military, not just today, but everyday.

Please enjoy your holiday responsibly. 

Memorial Day Weekend DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint

Memorial Day Weekend DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint

The Arcadia Police Department will be hosting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint in the area of Live Oak Avenue and El Capitan Avenue in the City of Arcadia. The checkpoint will run from 6:00PM Friday, May 27^th through 2:00AM May 28^th.  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.  Help save a life; call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers. It simply is not worth it to 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 a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

  

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Julian Botello

Traffic Officer

Weekly Tip - Missing Facebook Notifications

To our loyal Facebook fans: we'd like to ask you to consider changing your Facebook notification settings so that you continue to see our content in your News Feed.

Facebook changes its algorithm from time to time, which tweaks how many of our "fans" actually have our posts show up in their News Feed. We, like many of our partner police agencies across the country with whom we regularly correspond, have noticed a remarkable DROP in the reach of our posts over the past several weeks after what appears to be another algorithm change.

We're very concerned about this, because Facebook is one of the several social media platforms we use for emergency communications. We would hate for you to expect to see an emergency notification from us on Facebook, only to have their algorithm determine that you don't get to see it.

To see what we mean, go check out our Facebook page itself, and scroll through our recent posts over the past couple of months. We predict you won't have seen the vast majority of these posts in your feed.

If you'd like to combat this and ensure that you are seeing all of our content when we post it, select the "see first" option on our Facebook home page. From a computer, hover over the "like" button on our home page, then select the "see first" option and set your Notifications to "On (All Posts)." From a mobile device, hit the "follow" button on our home page, then select the "see first" option.

We'd urge you to follow the same procedure for any other Facebook pages on which you depend for accurate, timely public safety information.

Thanks for reading. We appreciate your support here on social media.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 15 - 21, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=6666

Click It or Ticket "Coast to Coast" Seat Belt Enforcement

CONTACT: Sgt. K. Cieadlo, 626-574-5475, kcieadlo@arcadiaca.gov

New “Coast to Coast” Seat Belt Enforcement Effort

Aims to Increase Click It or Ticket Participation, Save Lives

Arcadia, CA – From May 23 to June 5, 2016, local law enforcement personnel will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign in an effort to save lives through increased seat belt use. This education enforcement period comes ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while 88.5 percent of passenger vehicle occupants buckled up in 2015, almost 50 percent of occupants of fatal crashes nationwide are not restrained. In some states, the rate is as high as 70 percent unrestrained in fatal crashes.  In California, more than a half million people travel our roadways at grave risk without proper restraints. These facts gravely highlight the need for increased education, awareness and enforcement and awareness of seat belt use.

This year, NHTSA is aiming to increase campaign participation even more by coordinating a “Coast to Coast” seat belt education and enforcement effort with the California Highway Patrol and law enforcement around the I-10, I-40, I-70 and I-80 corridors. Additionally, law enforcement agencies statewide are joining the Click It or Ticket effort to emphasize the “Coast to Coast” seat belt safety awareness campaign in all 50 states. 

In 2014, nearly half of the 21,022 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes nationally were unrestrained, according to NHTSA. During the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m., that number increased to 57 percent of those killed. Law enforcement agencies will write citations day and night, with a zero-tolerance approach. 

“Hundreds of thousands of citizens will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend, as well as throughout the summer vacation season. We want to make sure that people are buckling up to keep themselves and their families safe. It is the greatest defense in a vehicle crash,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket campaign, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant

ROAD CLOSURE Monday May 23rd, Eastbound Huntington Drive at Santa Clara Street

ROAD CLOSURE

WHERE:
Eastbound Huntington Drive between Santa Clara Street and Santa Anita Avenue

WHEN:
Monday, May 23, 2016, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Please use alternate routes. If you are eastbound on Huntington Drive from Holly Avenue, you may continue straight onto Santa Clara Street, following it east to Santa Anita Avenue. Make a right turn to southbound Santa Anita Avenue to return to eastbound Huntington Drive.

To avoid the congestion, use Duarte Road or Colorado Street during the closure.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 8 - 14, 2016

http://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=6604

47th Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony

The 47th Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony took place yesterday at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Memorial Park, located in the Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center in Whittier. The ceremony paid tribute to LA County law enforcement personnel who were killed in the line of duty between 1925-2015. APD was proudly represented at the ceremony by Captain Larry Goodman, Officer Larry Peralta, and Sergeant Brian Ortiz.

Weekly Tip - Practice Pool Safety!

Summer is quickly approaching and one of the biggest attractions during this time of year is the swimming pool. Unfortunately, our pools are also one the leading contributors to accidents, injury and death in the home. Children love water and a pool is an inviting place, not only in the summer, but throughout the year for a young child. That is why there are rules and regulations that apply to all residential swimming pools. Fences, alarms, clearance, self-closing gates and latches, are just some of the requirements. Visit your local City website and view the municipal code requirements or call your local City Hall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a handout available on-line that gives excellent tips for pool safety. See the City of Arcadia website and other sources, such as the Red Cross, for additional tips and resources available on the web.

In addition to the physical requirements, remember to always be aware of your young childs where abouts when pools are near. Even if they know how to swim, keep an eye on them. Set rules for your children about not using the pool without adult supervision, keep toys and other inviting objects away from the pool when not in use, always have a phone available near the pool, keep pool gates locked and shut when not using them, do not place ladders or chairs against the outside of a pool fence. Learn basic safety techniques and take a CPR class. Be proactive and prevent accidents before they happen!

Summer time is also a time for outdoor gatherings and hosting a pool party. Never assume your child is being watched. Appoint someone to be the "pool monitor" at all times. Time is not on your side with a drowning victim. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. Answering the phone, getting another drink, grabbing a snack, all allow time for a drowning. Be responsible and be always aware of what is happening in the pool! If a child is missing, the first place to look should be the pool. In the event of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.

Police Officer Memorial Week- 2016

Presidential Proclamation --Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2016 PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK, 2016 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION For generations, the brave women and men of our Nation's law enforcement have answered the call to serve and protect our communities.  Enduring long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, our Nation's peace officers embody the courage and honor that represent the best of America.  On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we express our gratitude for the selfless public servants who wear the badge and put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and we pay respect for those who lost their lives in the line of duty. In moments of danger and desperation, the first people we turn to are law enforcement officers.  These often unsung heroes risk their lives and sacrifice precious time with loved ones so their fellow Americans can live in peace and security.  But more than that, they are leaders in their communities, serving as mentors, coaches, friends, and neighbors -- working tirelessly each day to ensure that the people they serve have the opportunities that should be afforded to all Americans.  In honor of all they do, we must give these dedicated professionals the support and appreciation they deserve. My Administration continues to work to ensure police departments and other law enforcement agencies throughout our country have the resources required to hire, train, and retain officers, provide officers with modern and necessary equipment, and utilize technology to enhance their communication networks.  And our Federal law enforcement officers regularly partner with their State and local counterparts to address some of our Nation's most difficult problems.  We know that strong community bonds are essential for law enforcement to do their jobs effectively.  I established a Task Force on 21st Century Policing, bringing together law enforcement, academia, youth, civil rights, and community leaders to provide concrete recommendations to enhance public safety while building community trust.  Law enforcement officials care deeply about their communities, and together with our partners in law enforcement, we must work to build up our neighborhoods, prevent crime before it happens, and put opportunity within reach for all our people.  Because each fallen peace officer is one too many, I proudly signed the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act last year -- bipartisan legislation that establishes a national "Blue Alert" communications network to disseminate information about threats to officers.  The legislation seeks to ensure that appropriate steps can be taken as quickly as possible to provide for an officer's safety.  I also announced new, commonsense gun safety reforms to help keep guns out of the wrong hands and emphasized that the already dangerous job of an officer is far more dangerous than it should be because it remains too easy for criminals and people who are a danger to others or themselves to have access to guns.  It takes a special kind of courage to be a peace officer.  Whether deputies or detectives, tribal police or forest service officers, beat cops or Federal agents, we hold up those who wear the badge as heroes.  Though they too often spend their days witnessing America at its worst, in their extraordinary examples, we see America at its best.  On this day and throughout this week, let us celebrate those who nobly serve each day -- and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice -- to move our world toward a more just and safe tomorrow.  May we carry forward their brave and selfless spirit as we keep working together to shape a future worthy of their commitment. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week." NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2016, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 15 through May 21, 2016, as Police Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I also call on the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.  I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 1 - 7, 2016

http://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=6577

Weekly Tip: Share the Road! May is Motorcycle Safety 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. 

Happy Mother's Day 2016!

Wishing the best to all Moms on this Mother's Day 2016!

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

Foothill Boulevard Lane Closures

Construction is set to begin along Foothill Boulevard between Michillinda Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, on Monday, May 9, 2016. This rehabilitation project will run through mid-August 2016 and will include repairs/improvements to the roadway, medians, curbs, and sidewalks.

During construction, there will be periodic lane reductions from two to one lane in both the east and westbound lanes.  There may be delays in both directions. The construction will take place during daytime hours. Unfortunately, the lane closures may impact commuter traffic due to curing concrete. Please use alternate routes as traffic will be heavy during peak travel times.

Weekly Tip - May is National Bike Month. Please Ride Safe!

Did You Know?

• Head injuries are the most serious type of injury and the most common cause of death for bicyclists. Bicycle helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head and brain injury when a crash occurs by as much as 85 to 88 percent.
• Children with bicycle-related head injuries are more likely to require hospitalization and to have their injuries result in death.
• More than one-fifth of all bicyclist deaths occur among school age youth ages 5 to 15.
• More children go to hospital emergency departments for bicycle related crashes than for any other sport.
• Of child bicyclists (16 years and under) killed on the road, 49 percent are killed while bicycling on minor roads (connecting roads and neighborhood streets) and almost 49 percent are killed while bicycling on major roads (high-volume roads across cities and towns).
• Almost half of bicycle crashes occur in driveways or on sidewalks

For some great safety tips and additional information, please visit the Safe Kids USA website.  You can also find information on "bike to work" and "bike to school" programs on the CalTrans website.

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 24 - 30, 2016

http://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=6535

Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta Time or Jail Time?

Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta Time or Jail Time?

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

ARCADIA, CA - In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festive fiestas and salty margaritas. Historically, the fifth of May commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War, but present-day celebrations often lead to drunk driving—and there’s no victory in that. If you are planning to party this Cinco de Mayo, keep this number in mind: 343 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend in 2014. Of those 343 people who lost their lives, 34 percent (116) died in drunk-driving crashes. And the drivers in those crashes weren’t just a little drunk. Sadly, almost one out of five (17%) of all the drivers in fatal crashes that weekend had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .15 % or higher—almost two times the legal limit in every state.

The Arcadia Police Department is continuing its ongoing efforts to stop and arrest impaired drivers, deploying extra officers on DUI saturation patrols this Thursday evening to lower deaths and injuries. The DUI saturation patrol will be operational from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Friday morning.

In the rush of party preparations and getting dressed up for a night out, it’s easy to forget the most important Cinco de Mayo plan of all: designating a sober driver. Some fiesta-goers think they can play it by ear and wait until after the party has started to decide whether they’re “okay to drive.” By this point, it’s too late. Going out for a night of drinking without a plan to get home safely is a recipe for disaster.

Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and when you drive drunk, you run the risk of killing yourself or someone else. You will be looking at jail time, the loss of your driver license, higher insurance rates, plus other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car or motorcycle towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work. The average DUI costs about $10,000. Wouldn’t you rather pay for a ride home?

So before your first margarita, cold beer, or shot of tequila this Cinco de Mayo, make sure you have a designated sober driver or arranged another safe way home. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The DDVIP app offers e to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role.  They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen. 

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects. 

A final statistic to remember: drunk or drug impaired driving deaths are 100-percent preventable.

This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers, Call 911!’ 

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant