Live Beyond Graduation

The Arcadia Police Department would like to congratulate the Arcadia High School graduating class of 2011. We realize that this is an exciting time of life and should be celebrated.  However, we encourage all to celebrate responsibly and remind each student to “Live Beyond Graduation” by not drinking and driving. Furthermore, we would like to remind young drivers of the dangers associated with Texting While Driving and other Distracted Driving practices (Talking on the cell phone, eating, applying makeup, etc). Enjoy this exciting time of your life, but please show consideration to yourself and others by driving in a responsible and safe manner.

The APD Traffic Bureau has placed our electronic message sign adjacent to the Arcadia High School with the following message:

“Live Beyond Graduation, Don’t Drink and Drive.  No Texting While Driving  No Distracted Driving”

Sgt. Brett Bourgeous

APD Traffic Bureau

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is one of those topics that is not often addressed. Our population is growing older and the frequency with which we encounter various cases of elder abuse is growing in LA County. Elder abuse can come in many forms such as physical abuse, mental abuse, neglect or abandonment, and financial abuse. Elder abuse most often occurs where the senior lives. The abuse can take place at home, at a relatives home or perhaps in nursing home care. The abuser can be an adult family member, a friend, a caretaker, or a predator seeking out an elderly target. Elder abuse is not easily detected so it is up to all of us to be aware of warning signs:

Physical or Emotional Abuse

•Unexplained bruises or injury

•Broken bones

•Controlled or restricted access to visits, friends or family

•Threatening or belittling behavior on the part of a caregiver

•Behavior by the elder mimicking dementia or childlike actions

Neglect or Self-Neglect

•Unusual or untreated sores or wounds

•Malnutrition, weight loss or dehydration

•Unsanitary living conditions

•Being left dirty or unbathed

Financial Abuse

•Unusual or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts

•Items or cash missing from the home

•Suspicious changes in wills, powers of attorney, titles/deeds etc.

•Unpaid bills or additions of persons to accounts

•Mail is missing or changes of address

These are just some of the indicators of possible elder abuse. Pay close attention to your older family members, neighbors and friends. Adult Protective Service (APS) is an LA County group that responds to reports of suspected elder abuse. APS can be reached at (877) 4 R SENIORS. A social worker will respond accordingly along with Law Enforcement resources if needed. Another resource for information on elder abuse can be found at HelpGuide.com.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 29 - June 4, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-29.pdf

Law Enforcement Torch Run in Support of Special Olympics

Watch for the Arcadia Police Department this Thursday, June 9, 2011, participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Support of Special Olympics.  APD will take the torch sometime after 10am at Huntington Drive/Fifth Avenue from Monrovia PD.  Our personnel will run with the torch westbound on Huntington Drive, southbound Santa Anita Avenue, then westbound on Las Tunas Drive where we will pass the torch on to awaiting personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station.  Keep an eye out for the torch and cheer our runners on as they support Special Olympics.  Photos will be posted on the blog after the event. 

Social Media and "Thank a Cop Thursday" from PORAC

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) is the leading federation for Law Enforcement associations in the State of California.  PORAC is active in Social Media and released this video on their YouTube channel, highlighting their various platforms and promoting "Thank a Cop Thursday" (#tacop).  Take a look and join the conversation.

PORAC Facebook

PORAC Twitter

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 22-28, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-22.pdf

Weekly Tip - Don't Fall Victim to Scams

“You Have Just Won $1,000,000.00!” Ever receive a letter or email for a sweepstakes or some “lottery” that indicates that you have been selected as a winner? All you have to do is call the phone number listed on the letter or respond to the email and claim your prize. You may then be asked to give personal information or perhaps obtain an amount of cash and wire that money to a company or individual to cover the costs of handling and insurance on your winnings. Sound pretty simple? Sound too good to be true? Did you ever enter this particular sweepstakes?

The vast majority of these unsolicited letters & emails are scams that are designed to separate you from your hard earned money. Trust your initial instincts and do not respond to this form of solicitation and theft. Similar scams have been used before and even now have evolved from mail scams to crimes on the Internet which are sent via email. Any form of communication that seeks either your personal information or funds should be ignored unless YOU initiated the contact. Confirm the validity through reliable sources before you allow yourself to become a victim.

Some factors to look for may include;

- Any solicitation that you did not ask for

- Email from an unknown party

- Addresses that are out of the area

- Names of large companies or persons that you have no affiliation with

- Request for personal information

- ANY request for you to send money

- Ask yourself, “Is this too good to be true?”

Protect yourself and your family. Many of these scams target the elderly. Please pass on the information to your loved ones and help prevent this type of crime.