National Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation Week

The week of April 12-18, 2020 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation week, also known as Dispatcher Appreciation Week.  Our dispatchers are the ones who answer most of the incoming calls to the department, answer all the 911 calls, and relay important information to our officers in the field. 

Dispatchers are the ones behind the scene, who are often not recognized for their work.  They are the ones who answer when you dial 911 when you need help. They are a calm voice in that moment of need, and the ones who get the information to tell first responders where they are needed. 

Telecommunicators Week began in California in 1981 and quickly grew to national recognition. Just ten years later, Congress designated the second full week of each April as a time to remember the critical role that dispatchers play in keeping us all safe.

On behalf of the Arcadia Police Department, we say “thank you.”  Thank you to all the public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers out there.  And of course, we say a special “thank you” to our very own Arcadia Police Dispatchers. 

2019 Police Officer and Civilian of the Year Awards

It gives us great pleasure to share with you that our 2019 Officer of the Year is K-9 Officer Travis Sargent and our 2019 Civilian Employee of the Year is Records Technician II Caroline Ngai!

During this time of social distancing, we regret that we were not able to do a formal, group announcement (as we would normally do) for each of these fantastic people. However, Chief Guthrie personally spoke with both Travis and Caroline to congratulate them on being nominated and then selected as our 2019 recipients!

Our awards committee selected K9 Officer Travis Sargent as our 2019 Officer of the Year as a result of Travis’ very dedicated work ethic this past year with his partner, Kota. Travis Sargent displayed a constant Never say “NO” attitude in 2019, and attended countless public outreach events with Kota, during all days of the week, at all hours of the day. Additionally, and more importantly, Travis (and Kota) assisted officers in our Patrol and Administration Divisions on many criminal investigations, warrant services, and the like. It was a significantly busy and non-stop year for our K-9 Unit, and Travis and Kota delivered! Keep up the great work, Travis, and congratulations on being selected as our 2019 Police Officer of the Year!

Our awards committee also selected Records Technician II Caroline Ngai as our 2019 Civilian Employee of the Year as a result of Caroline’s very dedicated work ethic as well. Caroline is reliable, highly professional, and nearly flawless in her work product every single day that she works. She keeps a pace and tempo in work performance that is truly second to none in her field. Our committee also cited Caroline’s “very positive” attitude and noted that she is a great person to work with who is always helpful to others. Simply stated, Caroline “makes a difference” in our organization every day! Congratulations Caroline for being selected as our 2019 Civilian Employee of the Year!

Weekly Tip - Avoiding Fraud and Scams Associated with the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is here. Many of you may have already completed the Census online or you may have received your invitation in the mail. The Census can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. 

Unfortunately, now that the Census is out, the fraudsters follow. Don't fall for phony emails or phishing scams by clicking on bogus links in emails or other platforms. Look for a legitimate email that ends in ".gov" such as "http://my2020census.gov/" from the Census. The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. You won't receive Census Bureau emails unless you have signed up to receive them. 

Remember, the Census Bureau will never ask for your information via email. Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:

- Your Social Security number.
- Your bank account or credit card numbers.
- Anything on behalf of a political party.
- Money or donations.

If a Census Bureau member visits you at home, make sure to verify their identity through their ID badge with their photograph, a US Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 844-330-2020 to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Weekly Tip - FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Coronavirus

The Internet is used by criminals for all sorts of scams and crimes to try and separate you from your money.  The FBI is even warning of an increase in fraud scams related to COVID-19 phishing email and bogus websites.

One way to be victimized is by replying to a “pop up” advertisement or an email.  If you receive a “pop up” ad or an email and you are not sure if it is legitimate, do not reply or open.  Do some research and confirm it is a legitimate service/company first.  You should never share personal or financial information online unless you are confident that the information is going to the proper company, organization or financial institution.   

Private sites, such as Consumer Fraud Reporting.Org have resources and information on web-based crime as well as other traditional fraud crimes. The FBI participates in a website dedicated to collecting Internet crime info called the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Take a look at these sites and search for information on topics that include tips to avoid becoming a victim of Internet-based scams or crime.

Weekly Tip - Be Safe While Out Walking

Daylight saving time, Springtime, now being stuck at home, are all reasons more pedestrians are hitting the road in the early mornings and evenings.  It is important to practice good walking and running safety as a pedestrian.  Many factors impact whether or not drivers will see pedestrians. Some vision obscurements and lighting conditions are not controlled by the pedestrian, but we can greatly enhance our safety and visibility with some proactive steps:

• Wear light/bright-colored clothing, preferably clothing with reflective strips or perhaps a safety vest.
• Carry a lighted flashlight when walking at night.
• Use sidewalks when available.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see cars approaching.
• If walking or running in the roadway, stay out of traffic lanes - it is unsafe and possibly unlawful.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets, additional lanes, or driveways.
• Never assume drivers will stop or yield - walk defensively.
• If you must have music or talk on your phone, use only one earpiece and keep the volume down. Listen for traffic!
• Be aware of your surroundings and practice personal safety!
• Vary your routes so you are not predictable.
• Avoid dimly lit roads, alleys, and areas.
• Carry identification and a cell phone.
• Walk with a partner or family member.
• Don't approach vehicles stopping near you or in your path.
• Consider personal safety items such as pepper spray.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy St. Patrick's Day. Please Don't Drink and Drive!

Arcadia Police Department Adapts to the COVID-19 Coronavirus

March 15, 2020 – In response to additional guidance received by federal, state, and local public health officials, the Arcadia Police Department is adapting to challenges caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Please know we have not changed or reduced our deployment strategies at this time and will continue to respond to all law enforcement related activities in our City. Our situation is both fluid and evolving, and the Arcadia Police Department is working to maintain field staffing levels that ensure high-quality response times to emergency calls for service within our City.

That shared, we have implemented processes that have equipped department personnel with the necessary training and resources needed to establish good community-based behaviors and practices that should help reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus within our department and throughout our ranks.  Our staff has been briefed on COVID-19 issues and will take all due precautions necessary when dealing with the public to keep everyone involved as safe as possible.

It is our goal to continue to provide the highest level of safety and service while preserving the health of both our personnel and our community. Based on logical precautions, we have modified some procedures to limit exposure of the public and our employees.  For example, we may accept and document certain non-emergency crime reports over the telephone rather than in person.  Additionally, while our police department lobby will remain open for limited purposes, we encourage residents to call ahead at 626-574-5150 to determine if we can serve your needs without requiring a visit.

To protect the health of the public and our personnel, and potentially slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, we are also limiting access to the Arcadia Police Department lobby except in essential or emergent situations.  This practice will stay in effect through March 31st, at which time we will reassess circumstances to determine whether or not a change in protocol is warranted.

Lobby restrictions do not apply to the following:

• Regularly scheduled child-custody exchanges
• Individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement for compliance to terms of release.
• Situations in which a law enforcement presence is needed to immediately protect life, safety or property.
• Mandatory visits for payment of fees or collection of property.

If you request a call for service to report criminal activity or to file a report, please call our Police Dispatch Center at 626-574-5123.  If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or a respiratory illness, please notify us when you make the call.  This will allow our first responders to take any needed safety precautions prior to their arrival.

Some police reports can also be made online at    https://report.citizenserviceportal.com/home/Agency?AgencyCode=APD
and we encourage our residents to take advantage of this service whenever possible.

Here are some of the criteria for filing a police report online:

• The incident is not an Emergency.
• The incident occurred within the City of Arcadia.
• You do not know the name or identity of the suspect involved or have physical evidence associated with the incident.

Cases involving theft of identity, theft or unauthorized use of credit/debit cards, checks, or other financial crimes, may not be reported on-line. These crimes must be reported in person. It is essential for officers to verify the victim’s true identity at the time the report is made.

Additionally, victims should provide officers with as much information regarding their case as possible, to include copies of financial documents, bank statements, credit card account information, fraud affidavits, or any other information relevant to the crime. If your situation does meet the above requirements, you may file your report online for the following types of incidents:

• Auto Burglary
• General Thefts valued at $950 or less
• Theft of Items from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less
• Theft of items from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less
• Lost or Stolen Cell Phones or Other Property
• Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls
• Mail Theft
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Tampering

We apologize for any inconvenience these adjustments may cause you under the circumstances.  Please know that the men and women of the Arcadia Police Department are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and dedicated to maintaining the superior service everyone has come to expect from our personnel. In closing, we ask that you help us protect our police officers and support personnel, so they, in turn, can continue to work hard to protect you!


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police