LAPD Blog

LAPD Chief Beck Announces New Security Measures at Dodger Stadium

Friday, April 8, 2011- This morning LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilmember Ed Reyes, and LA Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt, held a news conference to announce new security measures at Dodger Stadium. These measures will be implmented and begin at the next Dodgers home game on Thursday April 14 against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.  These security measures were recommended by the LAPD following last Thursday’s attack on San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow after the Dodger’s home opening game.

“If you come to intimidate, to antagonize either other fans or fans of another team, we’re going to do one of two things,” Chief Beck said. “You’re going to be thrown out of the stadium or you’re going to get to go to jail.” I don’t want either of those things, but if you do I will accommodate you.”

"This is a zero tolerance policy. If you’re coming to Dodger Stadium to cause problem, I advise you to stay home," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.

The Dodgers agreed to implement and support the following strategies and initiatives: 
 
• Adopt and as soon as practical, implement a data-driven accountability (CompStat) process to assist in ensuring a more strategic and results oriented plan to address: 1) historic and emerging fan-based problems on stadium grounds and 2) an enhanced deployment system for security personnel;
 
• Deployment of all off duty LAPD personnel (hired by the Dodgers) in Department uniform rather than plainclothes and/or security attire (polo shirts).  The goal is to provide a consistent high visibility, high profile deterrent presence inside the stadium during games by uniformed LAPD personnel;
 
• The Dodgers will compensate the City of Los Angeles for deploying an increased LAPD presence at Dodger games.  The Chief of Police will have sole discretion concerning staffing levels, locations and times and all other elements of our deployment practices.  Heavier staffing will be implemented during key games (i.e. rivalries, playoffs, etc) and other times as is deemed appropriate;
 
• The Dodgers agree that the LAPD will deploy whatever resources that are necessary for the safety of the stadium and will include but not be limited to the use of footbeat officers, bicycle officers, Mounted Unit, T3’s, Cadets and the like;
 
• The Dodgers agree that the LAPD may deploy as necessary a high visibility uniform personnel at various ingress/egress points at the stadium, specifically at high volume turnstiles, gates and other areas on and around stadium grounds in order to identify intoxicated patrons and/or others who could disrupt the various events that customers attend;
 
• The Dodgers agree to work in partnership with Kroll Associates and the LAPD for the purpose of the intelligent use and placement of the latest and best technology available to further ensure fan safety and that of Dodger employees;
 
• The LAPD will implement and the Dodgers agree with our "zero tolerance" arrest and filing policy for individuals who commit crimes while on stadium property and it's immediate environs; Dodgers staff will participate in court for the full prosecution of law violators;
 
• The LAPD will assist in the enforcement of a strict "No Tailgating" policy in stadium parking lots and surrounding areas before, during and after baseball contests;
 
• The Dodgers agree that in the event season ticket holders are involved in illegal conduct, their season ticket status will be subject to revocation.  This policy is in effect regardless of who might be in possession of the ticket(s) at the time the offense occurs;
 
• The Dodgers will participate in debriefs of game-day events with the LAPD at regular intervals for the purpose of enhancing and refining all aspects of the stadium security plan;
 
• The Dodgers will adapt a greater increase in a community-relations outreach plan (giveaways, community barbecue) for the purpose of enhancing their relationship with those that reside in local communities.

Click here to hear Mayor Villaraigosa speak

Click here to hear Chief Beck speak

Click here to hear Councilmember Reyes speak

Download Dodgers April 8 McCourt

74-Year-Old Missing Woman

Los Angeles:  The family of Ruth Ethel Flynn and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public's help to find Flynn, who's been missing for a few days.

On April 5, 2011, at around 5:30 am, Flynn was last seen at her residence in the 5300 block of San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles.  She got on a bus heading to 190th Street and Vermont Ave in Gardena, but she apparently got on the wrong bus.  She later called her husband by phone and told him she was in Downtown Los Angeles in the area of Broadway.  The family said Flynn is "forgetful" and may not know her address or how to get home.  She needs medication but does not have any of her medications.  She has not been in contact with her family, and they are extremely concerned for her well being.  

Flynn is a 74-year-old black female with black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds.  She is missing her teeth and is likely wearing a light-beige jacket with a Golden Gate Bridge and “SF” logo on the front pocket.  The jacket is reversible and is navy blue on the inside.  She may also be carrying a brown alligator skin-type purse.   
 
Anyone who may have seen Flynn, or who has information about her whereabouts is asked to call the LAPD Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD."  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Chief Beck speaks about attack at Dodger Stadium

On Thursday April 7, 2011, Chief of Police Charlie Beck was joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Ed Reyes to discuss the attack on Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan attacked by two suspects after the Dodger’s home opening game a week ago today.  Also in attendance were family members and close friends of Bryan Stow to show their support.  They did not provide comment and asked for the media to respect their request not to be asked questions.  The Mayor and Councilman Reyes thanked the Los Angeles City Council for approving a reward of $50,000 dollars for the capture of the two suspects.  They also asked the public to contact the LAPD with any tips as there were a large number of people who may have witnessed the attack and can provide information on the suspects.  Councilman Reyes asked for the two suspects to turn themselves in as justice will prevail.

To hear the Chief’s comments about his plans for security measures please click on the link below.

Chief Beck speaks about attack on Giants fan

Reward Offered to Find Dead Woman’s Identity and Killer

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives announced a $50,000 reward today, sponsored by 1st District Councilman Ed Reyes, to encourage information in identifying the remains of a woman, which, detectives believe, will lead to the identity of the person or persons responsible for her death.  The woman’s decomposed body was found in a recycling yard near downtown Los Angeles on September 10, 2010.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office classified the woman’s death as a homicide, but due to an extreme state of decomposition, the examiner was unable to determine the cause of death.

According to a forensic anthropologist, Jane Doe #52 was a Caucasian woman, which could also mean she was of Hispanic or Native American origin, and was between 50 and 70 years old.

A sketch artist reconstructed Jane Doe’s appearance from the remains, creating a composite of a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length hair and some age lines.

One of Jane Doe's identifying features includes a dental crown described by a forensic dentist as “very high quality” and most likely performed by an experienced dentist within two weeks of her death.

In addition, Jane Doe was found wearing a ring of sterling silver with an inexpensive blue Alexandrite center stone, surrounded by Cubic Zirconium stones.  Based on wear patterns, the ring was estimated by a jeweler to be over 40 years old.  While it was inexpensive, it may have had sentimental value for the victim.

“Not knowing the cause of death nor the woman’s identity makes this case extremely challenging,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “But with the clues we’ve provided, we hope Jane Doe’s dentist might recognize her sketch, the ring, or even the quality of dental work.  We have no doubt that identifying Jane Doe #52 will lead us to someone who knows how she died.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Thayer Lake, Central Homicide Unit, at 213-972-1254. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

“Grim Sleeper” Investigative Update More Potential Victims May Now Be Connected to the Case

Grim Sleeper Update Investiation podcast

Los Angeles:  This afternoon at a news conference, Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery- Homicide detectives provided some new information regarding the ongoing investigation of the well-known “Grim Sleeper” murder case.

Investigators are now focused on eight females of which six are reported as missing persons.  The seventh female is an unsolved murder victim and the eighth is still unidentified. Of the six missing females, four of them weren’t previously connected to the investigation until they were reported to 800 Task Force detective’s after suspect Franklin’s arrest.

Detectives displayed photographs of the six missing women identified by name and last known location.  Three of them were connected to the case by evidence recovered at Franklin’s residence.  Information uncovered related to the four other missing women indicated they had similar lifestyles as the confirmed victims and each of them had frequented Franklin’s neighborhood prior to their disappearance. The women were reported missing as far back as 1982, with the most recent in 2005.  The six missing women whose photos were displayed have been identified as follows:

 - 18-year-old Ayellah Marshall, missing since February 2005

- 29-year-old Rolenia Morris, missing since September 2005

- 33-year-old Cathern or Catherine Davis, missing since June 1982

- 27-year-old Rosalind Giles, missing since January 1991

- 29-year-old Lisa Knox, missing since August 1993

- 37-year-old Anita Parker, missing since November 1988

The seventh woman detectives think may be connected to the case is Inez Warren, the victim of an unsolved murder committed in 1988. Warren’s murder is marked by similarities to the others that Franklin is charged with, but detectives need additional information before they can confirm a connection to him.

The eighth individual is an unidentified person, previously listed as #117.  She too was found to have a direct connection to evidence recovered at Franklin’s residence.  This person’s identity remains unknown and detectives have made a plea for anyone who recognizes her to contact them. 

Fifty-five unidentified photographs taken from Franklin’s residence in July 2010 were displayed.  Detectives still need the public’s help to determine who and where they are so they can either be eliminated or added as a victim.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Department’s robbery homicide detectives on a toll- free hotline, 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts. 

Notes from the April 5, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President John Mack expressed his concern for Police Officer Steve Jenkins and said the events of the last couple of days have been tragic.  He added his thoughts and prayers are with Officer Jenkins and his family.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck thanked the Commission and the community for the outpouring of support in light of the recent shooting of Police Officer Steve Jenkins.  He informed the Board Officer Jenkins condition has been downgraded from critical to serious but added he is still facing a long road to recovery.  Chief Beck said the Department will continue to offer its support to the family of Officer Jenkins.  He also stated the Department has organized a blood drive in his honor at Central Division.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated March 30, 2011, relative to proposed amendment to police permit fees, fees for special services and establishment of a new special service fee for fiscal year 2011-2012, was approved and transmitted to the City Administrative Officer and Chief Legislative Analyst.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 29, 2011, relative to DNA monthly report for February 2011, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 23, 2011, relative to approval of the L.A. Impact Joint Powers agreement, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 5, 2011, relative to Fourth Amendment to agreement No. C-109495 with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. for the photo red light program was approved with an extension granted from month to month but not to exceed 90 days.  The report was transmitted to the City Council.  Sergeant Matthew Mac Willie informed the Board the red light cameras are located at 32 intersections throughout the City, have netted a 63% reduction in red light infractions, 18% reduction in injuries from collisions, 10% reductions in traffic collisions and 0 fatalities since its inception.  He added the contractor has satisfactorily completed the maintenance duties throughout the term of the contract.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 15, 2011, relative to recommendation for the Police Commission citation, was approved.

Donation Account Opened To Assist Officer Steven Jenkins

Los Angeles: In response to the shooting of LAPD Officer Steven Jenkins, Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) has opened a Donation Account to assist him and his family.

Interested parties may contribute funds via the following options:

● The public may mail in donations. Checks must be made payable to “Blue Ribbon Trust for Steven Jenkins” and send to:

           Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union

Attn: Blue Ribbon Trust for Steven Jenkins

P.O. Box 10188

Van Nuys, CA 91410

● LAPFCU members may donate to this account through PATROL Online Banking at www.lapfcu.org, or by calling 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732)     and pressing 2, Please enter account #2030077 S4.52 followed by BLU (first three letters of the account name).

You may also visit the Community Corner area of LAPFCU’s website at www.lapfcu.org to learn more, For additional information, please contact LAPFCU Vice President of Marketing Manny Padilla Jr., at 818-779-3311.

For additional information, please call Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

About LAPFCU
The Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) is a member-owned cooperative established in 1936 to serve the financial needs of the sworn and civilian employees of the Los Angeles Police Department and their families. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, with branches located throughout Los Angeles, LAPFCU has over $696 million in assets and more than 41,300 members. Membership is open exclusively to active and retired, sworn and civilian employees of the LAPD and their immediate families.

Chief of Police Message - April 2011

Policing a world-class City like Los Angeles comes with a certain level of increased responsibility.  Our City is a prime destination for some of the biggest events in the country.  Over the past few weeks, Los Angeles hosted the Grammy Awards, the NBA All-Star game, the Academy Awards and the L.A. Marathon.  Not only do these events draw hundreds of thousands of people from around the world and the nation, they also create an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of public safety.  Again and again, the Los Angeles Police Department meets these challenges and exceeds expectations.  Thanks to your professionalism and courtesy, many visitors came away with a positive impression of the LAPD.  I’m very proud of each and every one of you and thank you for a job well done.      

Successfully policing large events such as these, while handling the day to day police work all over the City, does not go unnoticed.  It is no accident I was able to announce good news for our detention officers.  Thanks to Councilman Greig Smith, Chair of the LA City Council’s Public Safety Committee, we recently received enough money from a city trust fund to suspend furlough days for our detention officers.  Having the detention officers back at full strength means 27 police officers can get back on the street.  It’s a small win for now. But I haven’t given up exploring other opportunities like this for the rest of our civilian staff.  I will do all I can, however, everyone must recognize this is a tough budget year and keeping what we already have should be viewed as a success.

 

Reserve Officer Appreciation

 They are protecting and serving alongside all of you, each and every day…and they do it for nothing but for the love and passion they have for the job.  They are the men and women who are LAPD Reserve Officers. 

 The history of the Los Angeles Police Department Reserves dates back to World War II when military enlistments and the draft depleted the ranks of qualified full-time officers and LAPD turned to the residents of the community to fill the gap. Today  Reserve Officers come from all walks of life. They bring to us a wide variety of useful skill sets and qualities that enrich our department. Today more than 800 officers in the Reserve Corps serve our City with distinction, honor and pride. 

 As a former Reserve Officer myself, I am especially proud of our Reserve Corps and salute them.  During the month of April, we recognize their commitment, not only to the LAPD, but the people of Los Angeles.  I look forward to honoring them on April 2^nd during our annual “Twice a Citizen Awards Ceremony”.  On April 23^rd, we will host a BBQ Appreciation Day for Reserves and their families at PAB.

 

Baker to Vegas

 The month of April also means it is time for the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay April 16-17.  For those of you competing, your hard work and dedication to bring home a winning title will soon pay off.  And to the support team members, I commend you for the many long hours you’ve sacrificed and will dedicate on the day of the race.  In its 27^th year, the race brings new challenges.  Our Department Team will compete for the first time and our Women’s Team is competing in honor of our fallen officer, Tina Kerbrat.  I’m confident you will represent the LAPD well, and come out on top in several categories.  Good luck to you all and I look forward to seeing you at the finish line.

 

Coffee at Van Nuys Station

After my first ‘coffee stop’ at Hollywood Station, I visited the roll call room at Van Nuys.  I recognize that concerns still linger about the budget, transfers and promotions for the rank and file as well as furloughs of our civilian workforce.  I can only reassure you by restating that eventually things will get better but until then we still have a rough road ahead of us.  Please keep this in mind when you express your needs and desires to the league as it begins contract negotiations.  While the Department has saved nearly $80 million so far, we are being asked to save even more in the next year.  

A number of officers asked about the large events (Laker Parade and Raves) the City hosts and related costs to police them.  Under specific circumstances the City does receive some reimbursement for police services rendered for large events.  It is our intention to continue seeking reimbursement when the services requested are above and beyond what a particular bureau or Department can provide.

Another question that came up concerned radio calls for theft from trash cans or recycling bins.  In the past, these calls were dispatched Code 2 when the PR reports the suspect is still at scene; otherwise it is broadcast to all units as “info only”.  As a direct result of your input, the protocols have been modified and a non-coded radio call will be dispatched only when the suspect is still at scene, otherwise it will always be an “info only” broadcast. 

Another change will be implemented this month as a direct result of your suggestions to standardize the RFC short form citation.  After extensive research and discussions with the City Attorney, approved protocols and revisions will be published in an Operations Order that should reduce the time required to complete the majority of the RFCs. 

Lastly, in recent discussions officers expressed concern about the adjudications of Bias Policing investigations.  I understand that it is rumored that most of these complaints have been adjudicated as Not Resolved.  This is not the case. Here are the facts. 

Looking at investigations closed since 2007, the average number of investigations per year is 200. The adjudications were: 85.1% are Unfounded; 5.92% are Insufficient Evidence to Adjudicate; 4.49 are No Misconduct; 3.27% are No Department Employee; .51% are Demonstrably False; .41% are Not Resolved and .10 % are Exonerated.

Numbers for cases closed in 2010 the numbers are pretty similar to the four year average with 90.16% Unfounded and 1.37% Not Resolved.  While the investigative process is exhaustive and requires a high level of scrutiny, I have yet to Sustain a single complaint for Biased Policing, so please do not get discouraged or caught up in the process itself.  I support this process because, in the end, it only demonstrates that you are doing your jobs in a professional and constitutional manner.  Know that I support you, as does the Department.

25 Year Pin Ceremony

April 5, 2011- The City of Los Angeles presented 33 civilian employees from the Los Angeles Police Department with service pins recognizing the years of commitment and dedication they have given to the City. 

Before the pins were presented, Chief Beck stated, “You are the leaders, well vested individuals that everyone looks up to for directions and guidance and you have done a fantastic job.” 

Chief Beck commented the past year has been extremely difficult for civilian employees. “I feel because of your leadership, I am confident that we will get through these tough times. I am the figure head leader of this Department but the real leaders are the ones in this room. You are the ones who have the tenure and experience to tell the others to hang in there, things will get better. The Department has gone through tough times before and we got through them and we will get through them again.”

“I appreciate what you have done this year and I appreciate what you will do next year.  Thank you for your service and your dedication to the City” said Chief Beck.

After the ceremony there were many hugs and smiles from friends and family in attendance.  The ceremony was held in the Ronald Deaton Auditorium located at the Public Administration Building.

 

 

Fan Attacked in Stadium Parking Lot

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Northeast Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects who injured a 41-year-old man.

Yesterday, around 8:25 p.m., the 41-year-old victim, was leaving Dodger Stadium along with several of his friends, following the conclusion of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the San Francisco Giants baseball game.  The two suspects who were clad in Dodger attire began taunting the victims because of their affiliation with the San Francisco Giants.  As the victim and his friends attempted to walk away from the suspects, the victim was hit from behind and fell to the ground.  The suspects then kicked the victim as he lay on the ground.  The victim’s friends attempted to intervene and they too were hit by the suspects.  The two suspects were last seen leaving Section 2 of the parking lot.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital to treat a head injury.  The victim is in critical, but stable condition.  The other two victims were treated for minor injuries and released at scene. 

The suspects are described as two male Hispanics between 18 to 25 years-old, wearing dodger clothing.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Northeast Detectives L. Burcher or P.J. Morris at 213-847-4261.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.