Roving Saturation DUI Patrols Planned for TONIGHT

Officers from the Arcadia Police Department’s Traffic Bureau will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department’s ongoing traffic safety campaign.  DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy on Friday, July 29th between the hours of 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. 

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. 

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users 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. 

The cost of a ride home is cheap, nothing compared to a $10,000 DUI conviction and the ‘inconvenience’ of not driving your own car home is nothing compared to the inconvenience of spending time behind bars.

Funding for this DUI operation is provided to the Arcadia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Robert Guthrie

Chief of Police

Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant

626-574-5475

City Slurry Seal Project

Swimming Bear Visits Family Pool

A resident shared this video with us of a bear cooling off in the family pool this morning. This serves as a great reminder we live in a foothill community and we live with wildlife. Be Bear Aware! HERE is a link to a previous APD Blog post on tips for dealing with wildlife.

Dare to Prepare - AAA Teen Pre-Permit Driver Safety Workshop

Bring your pre-permit teen to this safe driver class being held at APD. Reservations are required for this workshop. Be sure to reserve your spot early as the class will fill up. Visit the AAA website for reservations and additional classes in the area.

Fun Times with Recreation and Community Services Youth

Our School Resource Officer, Detective Stark, and Cadet Bolduc had the pleasure of talking with a group of young folks attending an Arcadia Recreation and Community Services summer class last week. Safety was the topic of the day. Great group of kids and staff.

Weekly Tip - Safety Tips for Pokemon Go Users

Pokemon Go seems to have taken the mobile app market by storm. You can't drive past a park or downtown area without seeing folks of all ages walking with cell phones in hand, hunting the elusive Pokemon. With the crowds and use of a mobile app come safety concerns we all need to be aware of whether playing ourselves, or allowing our kids to play. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while playing Pokemon Go:

• Don't Play Alone - Play the game in groups, with family or friends. There is safety in numbers.
• Seek Out Poke Stops in Populated, Frequented Areas - Scan and assess the area. Find well lighted areas, malls, shopping districts, or places where folks are gathered to hunt your Pokemon.
• Look Up From Your Phone - Be aware of who and what is around you!
• No Trespassing - Respect private property and closed areas. Following the app compass is great, but avoid venturing where you don't belong...it could land you in jail.
• Respect the Venue - Many poke stops are near places of worship, landmarks, and businesses. Be aware of where you are and act accordingly.
• Don't Pokemon Go and Drive - Tempting as it may be to grab the phone, the game is a huge distraction. Let your passengers play for you if you are in the car. Designate a driver and trade off the duty. Obey all traffic laws! Don't stop in the roadway, don't impede traffic, don't make sudden turning movements! DO be safe!
• PARENTS - Monitor your child's activity and play the game with them. Restrict in-app purchases and limit the time length of play.
• Have Fun!

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 17 - 23, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=7140

Honoring the Fallen in Baton Rouge

Two of our Arcadia Police Department Honor Guard members were privileged to travel to Baton Rouge to honor the fallen Baton Rouge Police Department Officers and East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office Deputy killed in the line of duty. Rest easy, rest in peace, Officer Montrell Jackson, Officer Matthew Gerald, and Deputy Brad Garafola. Thanks to Officer Joe Trejo for this video clip.

Remembering Our Friend and Partner, Mike Daleo

Six years ago today, we lost a friend and partner here at APD. Long-time Police Reserve Officer and APD Crime Analyst Mike Daleo succumbed to cancer on July 24, 2010.

Mike was friend to all here at APD. He was one of the first Crime Analysts in the San Gabriel Valley and was well-known to the greater law enforcement family, always assisting outside agencies with their cases and information.

We miss you, Mike. Thanks for the years of friendship and service to Arcadia and beyond!

Weekly Tip - Burglary Prevention for Your Home

Residential burglary prevention continues to be a focus of the Arcadia Police Department. Increased patrol presence, Investigators working surveillance, follow-up on leads/tips, and recovered stolen property, are all pieces to a much larger puzzle when it comes to preventing residential burglaries and property crime. One of the most important pieces to this puzzle is the resident. It is very important to discourage the would be thief and make their job as difficult, time consuming, and as noisy as possible.

Here are a few quick tips to help keep your home safe:

•Close and lock your windows and doors! Thieves look for an easy target.

•Lock your garage door. Thefts from garages are common and it offers ready access to pry tools.

•Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed so that windows and doors are visible.

•Maintain your home and make it looked lived in. Arrange for care if you leave on vacation.

•Don't leave newspapers, mail and door hanger materials in place. Arrange for a trusted friend or neighbor to collect these items for you.

•Know your neighbors! Be familiar with cars, faces and who belongs in your neighborhood.

•Leave different lights on when you leave. Use timers when gone overnight.

•How about a radio with a talk show station tuned in when you are gone?

•Use window stops/pins to prevent windows and sliding doors from being opened.

•Maintain lists of account numbers, valuable item serial numbers and important phone numbers. Duplicate the list and maintain a copy elsewhere. Video or photo your belongings. This aids in property recovery as well as insurance replacement.

•Get an ALARM. Even simple alarms that are not connected to a central system are a deterrent.

•Ask and look for helpful tips. Your local police agency will usually offer home inspections and there are plenty of websites that offer prevention tips and ideas.

•Watch for and REPORT suspicious persons and activity. Most arrests that are made for burglary are not from a report by an alarm company, but rather from a local resident. If you see someone that does not belong in your neighborhood or on a neighbor's property, call the police.

If you return home and believe your home has been burglarized, do not enter the home. Call the police and wait out front. Tell the Dispatcher of your observations and that you have not searched your home. Chances are that the burglar is gone, but you don't want to confront them if avoidable. Entering the home may also destroy certain types of evidence that Officers will be looking for.

Additional tips and information; Crime Doctor. You can also contact the APD Community Outreach Office at (626) 821-2648 for prevention tips and information on Neighborhood Watch.

Never Forget, Officer Albert E. Matthies - Killed in the Line of Duty, EOW July 19, 1927

Today is the 89th anniversary of the murder of Arcadia Police Officer Albert E. Matthies, the only Arcadia Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. Officer Matthies was shot while detaining three young men near the intersection of Northview and Foothill in north Arcadia on July 18, 1927, shortly before midnight. Officer Matthies came upon the men inside a vehicle parked on Northview. Officer Matthies was unaware that the men were preparing to conduct a robbery at a business nearby. The rear seat passenger was Frank Miller. Miller pulled out a .45 cal handgun and shot at Matthies, striking him in the neck. Matthies later died from the gunshot wound at 12:07 AM on July 19, 1927.

Leo Bertolina, a friend of Matthies, was riding along that night in the police car. Bertolina was able to scramble away after being shot at and hit with flying glass from windows being struck by gunfire. Bertolina telephoned for additional police assistance. The trio of suspects got away that night but were later apprehended in Los Angeles within days. The three suspects were later convicted of the murder of Officer Matthies and sentenced to prison. The shooter died in prison. The two accomplices were later paroled and died shortly after release. 

The murder of Officer Matthies is memorialized at the following locations:

• Plaque memorial at Foothill Blvd/Northview Ave, Arcadia CA. Northview Avenue has been co-named Albert Matthies Way in honor of Officer Matthies.
• Los Angeles County Peace Officers Memorial, Whittier CA
• California Peace Officers Memorial, Sacramento CA
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington DC
• Officer Down Memorial Page
• Live Oak Memorial Park, Monrovia CA
• Arcadia Police Department, Arcadia CA

Happy Retirement Wishes

APD said farewell to a favorite this past week...Dispatcher Rosemarie Espejo officially hung up the headset. Ro began her career in Arcadia in 1985 and retired from full-time service some 7 years ago. She remained with us part-time but is now ready to enjoy retirement! Ro is pictured with Captain Goodman. Thanks Ro for your dedication and friendship over the years! 

Throwback to Circa 1982 Inside Gate 5, Santa Anita Race Track

Throwback to circa 1982, Officer Bob Johnson pictured inside Gate 5 at the Santa Anita Park during what looks like outgoing race track traffic. This was the cover of the January 1983 Arcadia Police Relief Association APRA-hend magazine. APRA was the original name of our Arcadia Police Officers' Association. Thanks to Sgt. Andy Ballantyne, Retired, for the pic.

Weekly Tip - Mail and Newspapers

A sure way to let folks know you are away from home is to allow newspapers or mail to accumulate on your driveway or in your mailbox.  Whether you are going away for just a day, or going on vacation for a week, it is a good practice to place a "hold" on your mail and newspaper delivery while you are gone. An even better option is to ask your neighbor, house or pet-sitter to remove door hanger advertisements, the paper, and your mail on a daily basis. Making your home looked "lived in" is a great crime prevention tool.

The postal service (USPS) offers online notification for mail "hold" requests.  Check out their site HERE.  Contact your individual newspaper provider for steps to temporarily stop service while you are away.

These are a few simple ideas to help you become less of a target to a thief.  Remember to be proactive in crime prevention and if you See Something, Say Something!

These Ladies Made Our Day!

Accompanied by their Grandma, Hailee and little sister Harlow brought cupcakes to APD today to share with our Officers. These ladies really brightened our day, and our spirit! Thank you!

 

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 3 - 9, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=7039

We're Hiring!

The City of Arcadia is currently accepting applications for several Police Department positions:

• Dispatcher I/II (Full-Time), Final Filing Date - July 21, 2016
• Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service), Ongoing/Continuous
• Police Officer - Lateral (Full-Time), Open Until Filled

Application information and job descriptions can be found through each job link or on the City of Arcadia website.

Arcadia's Celebration of National Night Out 2016 and Concert in the Park - Save the Date

Join us for Arcadia's celebration of National Night Out and a Concert in the Park on Thursday, August 4, 2016, 6:30 pm! The USO - Big Band will present a Wartime Radio Revue concert, along with activities for the kids, crime prevention information, "kid print" station, the APD '59 Ford, and more, all on the City Hall lawn. Arcadia City Hall is located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, just north of the Police Department.

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 26 - July 2, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=7007

Late Night Residential Robbery on Live Oak

Incident – Residential Robbery

Contact: Watch Commander – (626) 574-5156

Date and Time of Release – July 6, 2016, 2:45 A.M.

On July 5, 2016, at approximately 10:55 P.M., Arcadia Police responded to a home in the 500 block of West Live Oak Avenue on the report of a possible residential robbery. Two elderly victims were home sleeping when they woke to three suspects in their bedroom. The suspects demanded cash and jewelry. The suspects fled with an undetermined loss. No weapons were seen by the victims. Both victims reported minor injuries as a result of the incident however neither required medical treatment.

Suspect #1 was described as a male, dark complexion, 20-30 years old, 5’-5”, thin build, wearing a hooded sweat shirt. Suspect #2 was described as male, 20-30 years old, wearing dark clothing. Suspect #3 was described as a male, 20-30 years old, wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5151, case #1603602. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tip web page at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Kirk Pedersen, Sergeant

Weekly Tip - Not Even for a Minute! Look Before You Lock!

NEVER leave a child or pet inside a parked car, Not Even for a Minute! The video below from Safe Kids USA demonstrates how quickly temperatures can rise inside a vehicle. Even with windows cracked, temperatures will rise well above outside temps creating a dangerous environment inside the vehicle.

LOOK Before You Lock! No matter what the errand or drive, look around, check the back seat...never leave your child or pet inside the car. Not Even for a Minute!

Should you find a child or pet inside a parked vehicle, call the local police, or dial 911 if they appear in distress.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy 4th of July

Wishing the best to all on this 4th of July.  Celebrate safely and remember - ALL Fireworks are Prohibited in the City of Arcadia.  HERE is a list of local fireworks shows in LA County.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Roving DUI Patrols Planned for 4th of July

Arcadia, CA – Every year Americans head out on our nation’s highways to celebrate the Fourth of July at picnics, parties, parades and more. Unfortunately for many, the celebration frequently includes drinking alcohol, which too often leads to drunk driving on one of the most heavily traveled holidays of the year.

From 2010-2014, 39 percent of all traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. There were 397 people killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes in 2014 over the Fourth of July holiday. Of those fatalities, 41 percent were killed in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In California during the holiday, an average of 6 people are killed and 110 are seriously injured each year.

This Fourth of July, The Arcadia Police Department will be out in full force, cracking down on drunk drivers by aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. In addition to routine staffing, extra officers will staff a DUI roving patrol on the evening of July 1st.

The consequences of drunk driving are that serious. Not only are impaired drivers putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but a DUI arrest means a loss of freedom and money. That can include going to jail, losing a driver license, and paying steep financial costs of $10,000 or more.

 The Arcadia Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving.

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• DDVIP: The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP mobile app is available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The DDVIP app allows users 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 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.
• DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL= CRASHES:  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.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate – “Report Drunk Drivers! Call 911!”
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely.

Funding for the extra DUI enforcement operations is a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.



Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo
Traffic Sergeant


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!

4th of July Pet Safety Info

Important information from our partners at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA:

July 5th is a busy day for the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and animal shelters around the country. The festivities we humans enjoy can be terrifying to our pets, and humane officers and concerned citizens bring countless dogs and cats—most of them exhausted and confused — to safety at animal shelters during and after the 4th of July holiday.

The safety and comfort of your pet requires special attention. PHS offers the following recommendations to help keep your pet secure. 

•Do not take your pets with you to watch fireworks.

•Keep your pet inside during 4th of July celebrations. Many cats and dogs are frightened by the loud noises of fireworks and will be happier safely confined at home. Playing a radio may help diffuse the loud noise of fireworks.

•Be certain that your pet's ID tag is current. Update your pet's microchip information if necessary. A visible form of identification is the best way to ensure that your pet can be returned home to you.

•If you think your pet may become extremely agitated or stressed, consult your veterinarian and discuss the possibility of sedatives or overnight boarding. You may wish to call an animal behavior specialist to work with your pet, but do this well in advance. 

•If your pet runs away, search the kennels of the shelter closest to you. Many shelters post photos of the animals that come into their facility on their website. The PHS website,www.pasadenahumane.org, is updated hourly so that lost animals may be quickly reunited with their lost owners. Post signs and visit nearby shelters for at least the next month. Animals can run a long way when they are badly frightened.

•If your cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for several days or weeks, so leave plenty of food and fresh water outside your door. (Pick it up at night so you don't attract unwanted wild animals.) Post signs and check your local and neighboring shelters in person and on line; your description of your pet may fit several animals in the shelter.

Staff at the Pasadena Humane Society will be available from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 4th and again at 8:00 a.m. on July 5th so people can find their lost pets. 

The staff at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wishes you and your pets have a very safe and happy 4th of July.

*PHS is is the primary Animal Care and Control provider for the City of Arcadia.