Happy Valentine's Day 2018

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Weekly Tip - Increase Following Distance!

Following Too Closely is the technical term for Tailgating. Unfortunately, this is a term that is all too often used in collision reports as the “Primary Collision Factor”. Maintaining distance between vehicles while driving is one main key to preventing collisions. Even the best driver, with great reaction time, still takes a moment to perceive the need to slow or stop, and then apply the vehicle brakes. With all the rain we have had recently, this is an important topic to think about.

Increasing following distance between vehicles increases our ability to perceive a problem, apply brakes if needed or take some other evasive action. Time and distance is your friend when it comes to speed. As a young driver, you are taught about the Three Second Rule. Sometimes we forget this one important piece of advice. But maintaining a following distance of three seconds between vehicles will definitely increase your ability to avoid a rear-end collision. An alternate recommendation is to maintain a following distance of one car length per 10 mph while driving. So, if you are driving 65 mph on the freeway, you should be about 6-7 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you.

Don’t be overconfident, either in your ability as a driver or in your vehicle. Remember these basic rules and greatly increase your chance to avoid a collision. Think about this; tailgating the car in front of you is not going to "push" them out of the way or down the road. Your disregard for safe following distance will only increase your chances of causing a collision. Take a breath, take your time and we'll all get there in one piece.

Arrest of Interest/Crime Trends

The Arcadia Police Department continues to be proactive in our efforts to combat package theft. We have made numerous theft arrests since we began placing GPS equipped bait packages throughout the City. Some of these theft arrests have lead to additional charges and investigations. This past Sunday morning, Officers were alerted to a package having been taken in the 500 block of Santa Rosa. Officers quickly located the suspects still driving in a nearby neighborhood. The suspects were stopped and detained without incident.

Not only was the stolen package found inside the suspect's vehicle, but Officers found numerous items of stolen mail, identification, a master key for mailboxes, and tools used to "fish" mail from a mailbox.

Timothy Thorne, a 38-year-old man from Las Vegas, Amanda Anderson, a 32-year-old female from Las Vegas, Alexis Anderson, an 18-year-old female from North Las Vegas, and Regina Rodriquez, a 33-year-old female also from Las Vegas, were all arrested on felony theft and identity theft charges. The four were booked at the Arcadia City Jail. Refer APD Case #18-0523

Always remember to report suspicious activity. If you See Something, Say Something!

Congrats to Sergeant Dan Crowther on his Graduation!

(Captain Larry Goodman, Sergeant Dan Crowther, and Lieutenant Tom Cullen)

Sergeant Dan Crowther graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) yesterday after completing the 9-month course. Dan joins many other Arcadia Police Department supervisors and managers who have attended this valuable program. The courses are offered through the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training several times each year and alternate between northern and southern California. Dan attended 3-4 day sessions each month. Students receive reading and research assignments for each session and demand a good deal of time and effort. Congratulations to Sergeant Dan Crowther on his achievement.

From the POST site: 

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.

During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:

• Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values

• Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities

• Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals

• Analyze issues from multiple perspectives

• Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others

• Provide support and development for peers and subordinates

• Recognize and address areas for personal improvement

• Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities

A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a "how-to" course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.

Weekly Activity Highlights for January 28 - February 3, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15337

Weekly Tip - Don't Fall for Scams this Tax Season!

Tax season is here! While many folks will have legitimate contact with their tax accountants and the IRS, we would like to remind you of recurring fraud schemes where scammers reach out to you. One of the most widespread attempts to come between you and your money is by use of phone calls to you where scammers claim to be representing the IRS. Many times, they will threaten you with a lawsuit or pending criminal action if you don't send payment immediately. These calls can be automated and recorded, directing you to call. Don't fall for these scams!

The IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.

• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Visit the IRS website for additional information on scams.

Weekly Activity Highlights for January 21 - 27, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15271