LAPD Unveils State of the Art Equipment

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins Los Angeles Police Department Chief William J. Bratton in unveiling the LAPD’s newest technology and equipment.  Most of the equipment on display was purchased through funding provided by Homeland Security Grants. 

Highly trained experts from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hazardous Materials Unit, Air Support Division, and Bomb Squad Unit will be on hand with their equipment to provide tours and explain the capabilities of each piece of equipment.  The following vehicles will be on display on the oval track of the Physical Fitness Field: Pierce Bomb Squad Response Truck, Bear Armored Rescue Vehicle, BearCat Armored Rescue Vehicle, Hazardous Material Response Vehicle, and Jail Division Sprinter Transport Vehicle.   

The Public Information Office Response Truck, a recent purchase, will also be on display for the first time.  Equipped with a helicopter wireless downlink system, television-monitoring system with DirecTV, DVD recorder, and other features that will enhance the communications experience amongst the Department, public and media.

Approximate cost of the vehicles, including the specialized equipment nears $3 million. 

Chief Bratton will also present challenge coins to four deserving officers who over the previous weeks demonstrated courage during difficult situations.  On August 24, 2007, Sergeant Christopher Gomez, Newton Area, witnessed a vehicle collide with the center divider of the Harbor Freeway erupting into flames.  Without hesitation, Sergeant Gomez removed the driver from the vehicle and guided him to a safe area.  On July 28, 2007, Sergeant Adrian Moody, Officer John Biondo and Officer Daniel Jara, Southwest Area, during an investigation came across an 18-year-old female experiencing breathing difficulties and ultimately lapsed into unconsciousness.  Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was performed until the arrival of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The 18-year-old female was transported to a local hospital.  Sadly, she passed away several days later due to a life-long illness. 

Part I Crime statistics through September 1, 2007, will be released. 

For additional information, please contact Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

Comments

[Anthony]

Great, now when are we going to get radios that actually work all the time. When are we going to get the up dated computers in the cars that can do reports and everything. When are we going to get more UPR'S on the street for officers who are working in a more encreasingly violent city where criminals will carry an assault rifle?
When will we get a Chief, a mayor, a city council,and a police commision that realizes that police work sometimes is ugly, and violent. When will they support their officers. I think some of them are in denial. They think the criminals we deal with are not violent and that a gentle voice and timid response is the way to deal with violent criminals who would kill citizens and cops without a blink. They are wrong and are in denial. You need a strong police officer who is a warrior when they need to be. A officer who is not afraid to go up against a killer and do what he has to do to protect the community and himself. The city and its so called leaders need to wake up because one day they are going to see they really need the type of cop i'm talking about. Because if the stuff hits the fan, and all that they have done for the past years has been to beat up their cops in the media and within the department, then all you will get is a smaller force, one who wont be agressive, and maybe alot of dead cops. Support your cops Chief. Support your cops city leaders for we are the last defense against the terrorist and the street criminal. A day without us and the city would be in chaos or have you forgotten?

[Ed O'Shea]

Right on Anthony!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe Brother!

[BOOMER]

Anthony, you got right...Problem is they will never care..The Chief will continue having his power dinners with the Hollywood Types and The Mayor will continue chasing Latinas half his age..Life is good for them, but for us on the streets, its unforgiving....