LAPD Blog

Professional Standards Bureau Formal Inspection

LAPD’s Professional Standards Bureau’s (PSB) badges were shining brightly as they held their Formal Uniform Inspection this morning.  Deputy Chief Mark Perez, Commanding Officer of PSB, proudly led Chief William J. Bratton, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, and Commander Rick Webb as they inspected the Bureau’s rank and file.

Chief Bratton thanked the Bureau for its contributions and hard work in assisting the Department in exiting from the Consent Decree later on in June this year.  The LAPD has not only met the strenuous requirements of the Consent Decree but has exceeded them, creating what is known around the nation as best practices.  He stated, "The pillars that we get to stand on, the foundation of the future LAPD, is in many respects a foundation that you helped to shape and create."

Chief Bratton further praised the Officers. “I've watch you reform yourself. . . like a phoenix rising from the ashes . . . you restored the reputation of the whole Department."  He concluded by congratulating the officers on a successful inspection stating, “Nobody in the country does it better than the LAPD when it comes to the area of expertise that PSB possesses and that is exhibited everyday in the performance of their duties.”

Chief McDonnell also thanked and acknowledged the work performed by PSB “The work that they do has restored the credibility of the Department.  The credibility of this organization is right here, you are the palace’s guards.”

Operation Progress

Founded in 2000, Operation Progress is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to deserving students from neighborhoods where higher education is often an impossible dream. Born on the gang-infested streets of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast Division, Operation Progress started as one policeman’s attempt to try and break the cycle of violence and hopelessness that has become the birthright of those who live there.

Since its humble beginnings, Operation Progress has awarded 35 scholarships and has grown to include a chapter in the Boston Police Department.  Funding comes from corporate donations as well as several Operation Progress fundraising events.  The Boston Marathon Commissioners Cup pits a team of runners from the LAPD against a team made up of officers from the Boston Police Department with each officer raising a minimum of $2,000 to participate in the race.  Each year the team with the best combined time is presented the Commissioners Cup by the losing Department’s Commissioner or Chief.  This year’s race will be taking place on Monday, April 20, 2009.

For more information about Operation Progress or to contribute on behalf of the LAPD, please visit the website at www.operatonprogress.org.

  

Band of Robbers Arrested

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers have rounded up a dozen people, including four juveniles, for committing a string of robberies in a time span of one week throughout the City of Los Angeles.

The four juvenile suspects arrested were booked without bail at Sylmar Juvenile Hall. The eight adult suspects arrested – Winder Barrios, 23, Jose Aldana, 23, and Pedro Quinonez, 31 were nabbed on April 2, 2009.  Marlon Peralta, 22, Oscar Alvarado, 22, Elias Covarrubias, 23, Christopher Moreno, 28, Carlos Garcia, 20 were taken into custody on April 3, 2009.  

The gangs of robbers were involved in the following incidents:

• On March 26, 2009, at about 9:35 p.m., a man parked his car near 5th Street and Muirfield Road when a truck pulled up next to him and two men got out.  One of the men pointed a shotgun at the victim’s face and demanded his property.  The suspects took victim’s wallet, cell phone, and car keys before driving off in their truck, which had a paper plate with “Miller” written across it.

• On March 26, 2009, at about 9:55 p.m., a man was sitting in his car on the corner of Wilton Place and Carlton Way when a black truck pulled up next to him.  Two men got out of the truck and one man pointed a shotgun at the victim and demanded his money.  One of the suspects grabbed the victim, and in fear, he gave his wallet to the other suspect.  The two suspects jumped in the truck, which was driven by another suspect.  The suspects’ truck had a paper plate with the word “Miller” written across it.

• On March 26, 2009, at about 10:00 p.m., a man was sitting inside his parked car texting on his phone and listening to music near Cahuenga Boulevard and Bennet Drive. Three suspects in a pickup truck pulled alongside the man, stopped and parked.  The trio got out of their truck with one of them holding a shotgun.  They approached the victim, ordered him to open the door and demanded money.  The victim opened his wallet and showed the suspects that he didn’t have any money but gave up his money clip.  The suspects jumped back in their truck and took off.

• On March 26, 2009, at about 10:00 p.m., a woman pulled her car over to use her phone near Harold Way and Saint Andrews Place.  The suspects’ truck pulled up next to the woman and two men got out of the car and walked toward her vehicle.  One of the suspects pointed his shotgun at the victim and demanded her money.  They then reached into her car and began searching the inside of the car.  During the search, one of the men put his hand up the victim’s skirt and touched her vaginal area.  The suspects jumped back into their truck and drove away. 
  

• On March 30, 2009, at about 8:50 p.m., two people were sitting in a car near Mansfield and Oakwood Avenues.  A sports utility vehicle pulled up next to the victims and one of the suspects began walking toward the victim while holding a shotgun.  The suspect pointed the shotgun at the victims and demanded their money.  Both victims gave their money and the suspect jumped into his truck where second suspect was waiting to drive away.

• On March 30, 2009, at about 9:05 p.m., a woman pulled her car over near De Longpre and Orange Avenues to use her cell phone.  A sports utility vehicle pulled up next to her and one of the men approached her car.  The suspect pointed a shotgun at the victim’s face and demanded her property.  The suspect grabbed the victim’s phone and car keys, then jumped back into the truck, where second suspect was  waiting to drive away.

• On March 30, 2009, at about 9:20 p.m., a woman stopped her car at the intersection of Franklin and Fuller Avenues.  A sports utility vehicle pulled in front of her car blocking her path.  A passenger of the truck got out of the car with a shotgun.  He approached her and demanded her money.  When the victim told the suspect she didn’t have much money, the suspect told her he would take her to the ATM.  The suspect took the victim’s jewelry and jumped back into the truck, and second suspect drove away.

• On April 2, 2009, at about 8:25 p.m., Hollywood Patrol Officers saw three male Hispanics in a black Nissan pickup truck with “Miller” paper plates.  The three occupants matched the physical description of the robbery suspects.  A traffic stop was conducted and during the search of the vehicle, a sawed off shotgun was recovered under the seat.  Property belonging to a victim was also recovered in the glove box of the car.  During a search warrant of one of the suspect’s residences, detectives recovered property taken during a home invasion robbery in West Valley on March 27th.  Hollywood detectives coordinated with West Valley detectives, and during the interview of the suspects, all three admitted to being involved in the home invasion and street robberies.

• On April 3, 2009, at about 12:10 a.m., a street robbery occurred in the 7200 block of Wilbur Avenue.  Two victims were robbed by seven men who used fear and intimidation to rob them of their personal property.  The victims saw the suspects get into a white van with out-of-state license plates and drive away.  The responding officers put the information out over the radio, and within minutes, West Valley Patrol Officers spotted a white van matching the description.  The officers made a traffic stop on the van and discovered that there were nine occupants.  The victims were able to identify the occupants of the van as the individuals who had robbed them.  During a search of the van, officers found personal property belonging to the victims, along with other items of property believed to have been taken in similar style robberies throughout the city.

Though detectives have been very successful in taking down these bands of criminals, they believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.  They want to encourage anyone who may have been a victim of a street robbery over the past several months in the areas of West Valley, Devonshire, Wilshire, and Olympic Divisions, to please contact West Valley Area Gang Impact Team Detectives Angelo Castro or Debbie Prosser at 818-374-7878. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Easter Comes Early for Some Deserving Children

April 8, 2025 – In the spirit of giving, Police Chief William Bratton and his wife, Ms. Rikki Klieman spent the morning at White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles handing out Easter baskets to the children in the pediatric wing of the hospital.  In conjunction with the Boyle Heights Community Action Team, the children were given baskets filled with stuffed animals, coloring books, toys and sweets.  The Easter Bunny himself was also on hand, spreading the joy of the season.

“This is such a great event,” said Monica Harmon, Community Action Team leader.  “These children have gone through so much and deserve to have something special done for them.”

Founded in 1913 by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, White Memorial Medical Center is a not-for-profit, faith based, teaching hospital, which provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency and diagnostic services to communities in and near Downtown Los Angeles.

The Community Action Team is a group of community volunteers and residents who organize positive events that are informative, fun and partner kids, cops and community.  The members belong to various organizations throughout Boyle Heights and speak out on public safety issues by attending Police Commission and City Council meetings in support of LAPD officers.

Caretaker Seeking Help in Finding Developmentally Disabled Woman

Los Angeles: The caretaker of a developmentally disabled woman identified as 24-year-old Katherine Jones and the Los Angeles Police Department are requesting the public's assistance in finding her.

On April 7, 2009, at around 3:00 p.m., Jones was riding on a group-home bus when she suddenly became aggressive and kicked out the window of the bus and ran.  She was last seen running near 105th Street and Freeman Avenue.

Jones has the mental capacity of an 11-year-old.  She is described as African American with black hair, and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds.

In the past, Jones has frequented the area of La Brea Avenue and Coliseum Street.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Katherine Jones, please contact Missing Persons Unit Detective Kristin Merrill at 213-485-5381.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics April 04, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             76*                104           -26.9%
Rape                                  183                 211           -13.3%
Robbery                            3323               3248              2.3%
Agg Assaults **                  2778               3109           -10.6%
Total Violent Crimes      6,360             6,672            -4.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               4637              4907            -5.5%
BTFV                                   7670              7856            -2.4%
Personal/Other Theft         6700               7063            -5.1%
Auto Theft                         4586               5664           -19.0%
Total Property Crimes     23,593          25,490           -7.4%
Total Part I Crimes          29,953          32,162           -6.9%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Two Teens Shot, 1 Killed in Harbor City

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects responsible for the shooting death of 17-year-old James Franklin, and wounding another 18-year-old male.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2025 at about 7:50 p.m., the victims were walking on Marigold Avenue at 256th Street when the suspects walked towards them.  The suspects suddenly began shooting.  Franklin was shot multiple times in the leg and groin, the 18 year-old male was shot in the back with a semi-automatic handgun.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victims to a local hospital.  Franklin died the next day from his injuries. The 18 year-old male is listed in stable condition.

Detectives have determined that the shooting appears to be gang related. 
There is no suspect description at this time.   

Anyone with information regarding this murder investigation is asked to contact Harbor Area Homicide Detectives J. Benavides and F. Rivas at 310-522-2036.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website:  www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous

Board of Los Angeles Police Commissioners Community Meeting

The Los Angeles Police Commission held a special community meeting on April 7, 2009, in the Founders Room at the Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California.  Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco welcomed the large gathering and expressed his thanks to the University, staff and students for allowing the Commission to hold the meeting on their campus.

Police Commission Vice-President John Mack announced on Thursday, April 9, the Los Angeles Urban League will be honoring Police Chief William Bratton at its 36th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner. 

Once the Commissioner comment portion of the agenda was complete, Commissioner Alan Skobin offered an overview of the Police Commission and their role as a civilian oversight committee.  He stressed the importance of hearing from the community on matters and issues most important to them and offered his commitment to discussing them with the Commission. 

Councilmember Jan Perry whose district falls within Newton and 77th Division boundaries, then addressed the Commission and crowd.  She offered her thanks to the LAPD for their dedication and focus on reducing crime but added crime in her district was still prevalent.

Police Chief William Bratton took the opportunity to provide the audience statistical data on the decline in crime rates since he began his tenure as police chief.  He also stressed the importance of continuing to grow the Department in order to maintain the downward trend in crime.

Southwest Division Captain Steve Zipperman presented the Commission an overview of the area, personnel, programs and relationships his division has developed.  He stated, programs such as the Community Police Advisory Board, Juvenile Impact Program, the Parolee Re-entry Program and several youth and block clubs make for a very involved and integrated community.

Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese and Chief Carey Drayton of the USC Department of Public Safety briefed the Commission on the relationship between the Department and the school.  Both expressed favorable opinions on their working relationship and pledged to keep working together as they move forward.

The final portion of the meeting consisted of the public comment period.  Members from the community took the opportunity to express concerns over issues in their neighborhood and some extended their appreciation to the men and women in uniform.

The Police Commission appreciates the opportunity to hold community meetings, as they provide community members a venue to express concerns that might otherwise not be heard.  The Los Angeles Police Commission holds special meetings throughout the year in various geographic areas.  

Hit-and-Run Seriously Injures 6-Year-Old Child

Los Angeles:   The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public's help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that seriously injured a 6-year-old boy.

On April 6, 2009, at around 11:40 a.m., a man driving westbound in a car on Florence Avenue collided with a 6-year-old boy at Figueroa Street, causing the child to suffer a fractured femur and other serious injuries.  The motorist/suspect has been described as a Black male in his early- to mid-20s, about five feet six inches tall, with a slender build and tattoos on the side of his face, neck and arms.  The suspect's car was a gold, four-door, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass with 22-inch chrome rims, California license plate 2DBL949.

After the impact, the victim's older brother, who was with him at the time of the incident, attempted to use a cell phone to record the suspect's license plate number.  While he was doing that, the suspect got out of his car and unsuccessfully tried to grab the cell phone.  He then got back into his car and left the location without identifying himself or rendering aid as required by law.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact LAPD South Traffic Division Detectives Antonio Lee or Constance Free at 323-290-6063, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to the South Traffic Division's watch commander at 213-485-7336 or to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Hit-and-Run Seriously Injures 6-Year-Old Child

Los Angeles:   The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public's help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that seriously injured a 6-year-old boy.

On April 6, 2009, at around 11:40 a.m., a man driving westbound in a car on Florence Avenue collided with a 6-year-old boy at Figueroa Street, causing the child to suffer a fractured femur and other serious injuries.  The motorist/suspect has been described as a Black male in his early- to mid-20s, about five feet six inches tall, with a slender build and tattoos on the side of his face, neck and arms.  The suspect's car was a gold, four-door, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass with 22-inch chrome rims, California license plate 2DBL949.

After the impact, the victim's older brother, who was with him at the time of the incident, attempted to use a cell phone to record the suspect's license plate number.  While he was doing that, the suspect got out of his car and unsuccessfully tried to grab the cell phone.  He then got back into his car and left the location without identifying himself or rendering aid as required by law.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact LAPD South Traffic Division Detectives Antonio Lee or Constance Free at 323-290-6063, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to the South Traffic Division's watch commander at 213-485-7336 or to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.