LAPD Blog

Officer Randal Simmons Fundraiser at Burger King

At 6:00 am this morning, the Burger King at the corner of West Cesar Chavez Avenue and Grand Avenue opened its doors to raise funds for the LAPD Family once again.  100% of today’s proceeds will go directly to the family of Officer Randy Simmons, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in the early hours of Thursday, February 7, 2008, when he and his SWAT team members responded to a call of an armed suspect barricaded inside a residence.

Burger King staff are hard at work taking orders from police officers from surrounding law enforcement agencies, City employees, and community members who been continually arriving throughout the day showing their financial and emotional support.

Television and radio morning shows continued their passionate coverage on the tragic death of Officer Randy Simmons by enthusiastically announcing today’s fundraiser on their newscasts.

This fundraiser is made possible by the Cimm’s Inc. that is owned by Laurence and Ralph Cimmarusti, brothers who have a long history of supporting and fundraising for the LAPD. 
They have a personal connection with the law enforcement community, as their brother in-law is retired after 40 years of service as an LAPD officer. Cimm’s Inc. owns and operates more than 50 Burger King restaurants in California and Texas and has been a franchisee of Burger King Corporation for more than 30 years.

Two years ago Laurence and Ralph Cimmarusti held this same fundraiser for Officer Landon Dorris, Northeast Area, who was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle while investigating a minor traffic collision.

LAPD Helicopters Used as Targets for Lasers

At a news conference today held atop the Air Support Division’s heliport, Captain Mike Williams, Commanding Officer of Air Support Division, accompanied by Deputy Chief Richard Roupoli, Commanding Officer of Special Operations Bureau, stated to the media the growing problem of people pointing lasers inside the cockpits of LAPD helicopters and commercial airliners.

“This is a problem that affects LAPD helicopters and commercial aviation.  A laser beam shot into a cockpit is illegal, causes temporary blindness to the air crew, causing disorientation and can lead to a possible crash,” said Captain Williams.

On January 19, 2008, while on patrol in Operation Central Bureau, Pilot Sean Malachi experienced severe pain in both eyes when a person on the ground pointed a laser into his cockpit.  “The laser beam shot takes you by surprise,” said Officer Malachi.  He alerted ground units to the location where the laser beam had originated.  Officers were able to locate several suspects while conducting their investigation.  No arrests were made in this instance. “What was most shocking,” said Captain Williams, “was that this was an adult and not a child.” However parents should ensure that their children are not misusing laser pointing devices and pointing them at aircrafts.

On a weekly basis, Air Support Division is asked by LAX and Burbank airport towers to investigate reports of lasers being directed into the cockpits of aircrafts that are landing at those airports.

On at least of two of those instances, suspects have been arrested and successfully prosecuted for felony violations of section 247.5 PC.  Defendants who are found guilty of this offense face imprisonment of up to three years, and or a $2,000 fine.

Between 1990 and 2005, there have been more than 400 incidents of laser directed at aircraft within the United States.

“Air Support Division is experiencing this on a weekly basis.  So far there have been no major reported incidents where the crew was totally incapacitated, but it is a matter of time,” said Captain Williams.

Detective Abiel "Abe" Barron Highway Memorial Sign Dedication Ceremony

On April 26, 2007, members of the LAPD saluted their fallen colleague as a memorial sign was dedicated to Officer Abiel “Abe” Barron.  Friends and family gathered at Northeast Area to celebrate his memory and to reflect on the many wonderful times they shared with the officer.

The Honor Guard began the ceremony with the presentation of colors before Master of Ceremonies Commander Jim Voge.  Deputy Chief Carter reminisced on Officer Barron’s life and Councilmember Tom LaBonge vowed to “never forget the sacrifices.”

Officer Barron’s wife, Anne Marie Barron, and his partner, Detective Andrew Teague, unveiled the Officer Barron memorial sign, which will be placed on Highway 138 at Interstate 15. Solemnly united, the crowd stood silent as "Amazing Grace" being played on bagpipes concluded the bittersweet ceremony. 

Detective Barron joined the LAPD in November 1983 and promoted to Detective in June 1995.  In addition to receiving over 78 commendations, he was posthumously conferred the Police Medal, the LAPD’s second highest award for distinguished bravery, for preventing a woman from leaping to her death.  Detective Barron was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 138 on June 25, 2025.  He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; daughter, Lauren; mother, Magda; brothers, Arnold and retired Sergeant Sam Barron and sister Magda.

A Dark Day

To the students, faculty, parents, law enforcement personnel, and everyone associated with Virginia Tech University our deepest sympathies and condolences.  Although it will take some time there is no doubt that as an institution of higher learning and producer of leaders you will emerge from this dark event.  To quote Abraham Lincoln, "A house divided against itself cannot stand...Our cause must be in trusted to, and conducted by its own undoubted friends  -  whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work - who do care for the result."  Go Hookies.....

Lieutenant De La Torre
Public Communications Section
Los Angeles Police Department

Los Angeles Winter Shelter Program

From December 1, 2024 through March 15, 2007, selected community non-profit homeless services providers will provide temporary nightly shelter to homeless persons in Los Angeles.  Those in need of emergency shelter are encouraged to go directly to one of the listed pick-up points for free transportation, rather than the site address, unless otherwise indicated.  Most shelters open at 5 PM.

For information about the Winter Shelter, including locations and closures please call:
1-800-548-6047, TDD: 1-800-660-4026, or visit the Internet Website Address: www.lahsa.org. 

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY

Today, Los Angeles City, County, and Federal officials, including Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, Los Angeles Councilman Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, gathered to announce the declaration of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 

Trafficking is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Each year, thousands of people-mostly women and children -are trafficked across national borders.  People are snared into trafficking by many means. In some cases, physical force is used.  In others, false promises are made regarding job opportunities or marriages in foreign countries to entrap victims.  Human trafficking deprives people of their human rights and freedoms and supports organized crime.  Profits of human trafficking exceed nine billion dollars per year.

  Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000 and strengthened it in 2003. This law provides law enfocement officials with the necessary tools to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. 

On April 23, 2004, Councilmember Tony Cardenas lead the City's response to this "egregious human rights tragedy" after a raid in South Los Angeles found women and girls trafficked from a foreign country who had been bound, stripped of passports and forced to work as prostitutes.  In a corraborative effort, city, county, state, federal and public entities formed the Los Angeles Metropolitan Human Trafficking Task Force to address this issue in Southern California.  The goals of the Task Force, all attained, were to work as a partner with federal law enforcement officials, identify and rescue victims, develop a comprehensive training program for law enforcement agencies-countywide. and establish an "800 tipster line number" Phone Number 800-655-4095 is established to report potential trafficking incidents. 

LAPD Statement on Pending Lawsuit

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's media relations office issued the following statement today:

The LAPD is aware that a deposition given by former LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Berkow, in a civil lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, was ordered unsealed. Due to the pending litigation and an ongoing internal personnel investigation, the Department is unable to answer any questions or provide any details related to this matter.

Chief Paysinger Addresses Recruit Classes

Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger addressed the 10/06 and 11/06 Los Angeles Police Department recruit classes at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center today.  As eighty-eight young recruits attentively listened, Chief Paysinger discussed the Department's expectations for these new officers, and provided some personal insight into his own thirty-year career.

Chief Paysinger informed the recruit officers that they will soon be serving and protecting members of our communities. Business merchants and residents have basic fundamental needs; raising their families in a safe enviornment and protect possessions they worked so hard to earn.  They also want and are entitled to expect to live a life free from crime and fear.  The communites we serve depend on the LAPD to protect the fundamental right to live safe and peaceful lives.  Upon graduation, the City of Los Angeles will depend on these very recruit officers to perform this task, while upholding the Code of Ethics. 

Chief Paysinger encouraged each recruit officer to strive to achieve their maximum potential, while always demonstrating integrity, honor, and respect.  Finally, he referred to the Department's hiring goals and expressed this thoughts on how everyone can be a part of this important recruitment effort. 

Los Angeles Police Foundation Recognized

For the third consecutive year, the Los Angeles Police Foundation has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities.

Charity Navigator (www.CharityNavigator.com) salutes the Los Angeles Police Foundation's charitable efforts. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of your organization in an efficient manner. This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year.

CHARITY NAVIGATOR

LAPD Hero Builds Cultural Bridges

Instrumental in bridging the cultural chasm between the Department and the Spanish-speaking community, Pedro M. Muñiz was one of five "Local Heroes" honored at an awards ceremony Sept. 21.

Union Bank of California and KCET selects honorees during respective heritage months for Hispanic Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans and African Americans. September marks Hispanic Heritage Month. Award recipients are selected for their commitment and contributions to the arts, business, education, social services, and community activism. Muñiz received the award in the category of social services.

In 2003, the Public Relations Specialist spearheaded a hard-hitting Spanish-language media campaign to foster public trust and support. In its third year, Muñiz’s groundbreaking approach to community outreach has brought criminals to justice and has strengthened ties between the Spanish-speaking population and the LAPD.

His dynamic leadership and pioneering efforts have achieved maximum exposure for the Department in millions of Spanish-speaking households via such influential organizations as Univision KMEX 34 and Telemundo KVEA 52.

Through his efforts, several suspects have been captured. For instance, a homicide suspect was apprehended after detectives appeared on Spanish-language television, prompting a flood of calls from the public. Similarly, the Department’s Fugitive Warrants Section captured three suspects following a public appeal made on television by a Spanish-speaking officer.

To date, Muñiz continues to coordinate weekly television interviews, monthly public service announcements, and television specials. He has also expanded the campaign to include radio broadcasts via Univision Radio Los Angeles, Spanish Broadcasting System, and others.

Among his work is Su Seguro Servidor, or Your Trusted Servant, which showcases Spanish-speaking police officers who are subject-matter experts. These officers deliver culturally relevant messages, including What to do When You Get Pulled Over; How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program; Misuse of the 911 Emergency Line; Graffiti Prevention and Elimination; Gang Awareness; Gun Fire Reduction Program; Identity Theft; and Hate Crimes.

In a community often challenged by language barriers and distrust of law enforcement entities, Muñiz’s campaign has softened the image of police officers; improved community relations and quality of life; and ultimately reassured residents that police officers are protectors rather than persecutors. Moreover, the campaign has helped officers gain a better understanding and enhanced appreciation for the diversity of Los Angeles.

Recognizing the impact of his work, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) invited Muñiz to present the details of his campaign in a workshop at the 2005 IACP conference in Miami, attended by law enforcement personnel from around the globe. The workshop was titled, Improving Your Image in the Latino Community: How the LAPD Created Positive Partnerships with the Hispanic Media. Representatives from at least one other major U.S. city approached Muñiz to ask questions about implementing a similar campaign.

Among Muñiz’s other noteworthy contributions is the LAPD Essay Contest, which he began in 2004. The annual writing challenge advances education through literacy, prompting nearly 30,000 middle school students to take an analytical look at youth crime and law enforcement.

In collaboration with Univision KMEX 34 and La Opinión, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in Southern California, the initiative encourages contestants to engage in serious discussions with peers, teachers, and parents about issues such as drug use, gang activity and domestic violence.

The LAPD Essay Contest, open to schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, promotes language arts, creativity, and proficiency.

Muñiz has gained support for the essay contest from a cross-section of Los Angeles organizations, including arts, business, and educational entities. Today, his campaign enjoys backing from the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the California Science Center, Wells Fargo Bank, and Polaroid, among others.

Muñiz, a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is a Pico Rivera resident. He has been with the City of Los Angeles at the Police Department for five years.

LAPD E-POLICING

In March 2006, the Department introduced two new features to the Department Website, www.lapdonline.org, Crime Maps and E-Policing.  The Crime Map feature allows anyone to access the latest crime information for any area of the city.

The E-Policing feature allows city residents and business owners to communicate directly with the Senior Lead Officer responsible for their area.  Again all you have to do is access the feature through the above listed website and sign-up.  The system will then direct your e-mail address to your Senior Lead Officer.  In turn you will begin to receive crime alert information, crime trends, and other information related to your residential and/or business community.  If you are a business owner or work in the city, but live outside the city you can still sign-up, just use your business address. 

In the very near future you will begin to receive more information about these two new features. 

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre

Citizen Commendation

The below comments were originally mailed to Officer Rios' Commanding Officer.

I was a jury member in a trial lask week where Officer Rios was called to testify.  It goes without saying that this young officer carried the weight of Rampart Division on her shoulders as she sat on the witness stand in a trial dealing with drug possession.  The defense attorney made certain her credibility was on the line because of past events that were beyond her control.  The defense attorney was unscrupulous, dogmatic, rude and disrespectful to Officer Rios.  She, on the other hand, was the utmost professional.

Understandably nervous given her first time to testify, she was composed, forthright and honest.  Her partner who had actually discovered the drug evidence was not available to testify and the defense attorney attempted to rattle her by implying there was a dishonest reason why he did not appear (he was on vacation).  Officer Rios truly did the department proud by holding her own.

Unfortunately one juror could not get past a particular point in the instructions we were given by the judge which led to a hung jury.  All jurors unanimously believed Officer Rios and with eleven opinions of guilty, her actions went a long way to sending a message to the defendant and his attorney.

One may ask why an every day citizen would be so impressed by the process of what the media and others would regard as a small case that probably should have not gone to trial, but this experience did turn into an opportunity for this citizen to appreciate the everyday details of how officers are trained and how those small things lead to the safety and security of our communities. 

Officer Rios should be commended for not only the credence she contributed to this case, but the credence she contributed to the entire department.

All officers have such a tough job amist tough critics and every day you carry the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt more on your shoulders than anyone. While Officer Rios's individual integrity stood out to this citizen this week, I am certain that her performance also speaks volumes for her mentors in the LAPD.  As a citizen of Los Angeles County and one who spends a good deal of time in the City of Los Angeles I appreciate the efforts of the LAPD to raise the standards and expectations of law enforcement everywhere.

Most citizens go to jury duty and come away uninspired, but this week was different because one of the LAPD rose above her call.

Respectfully,

Julie Root                                                                         

CONDOLENCES FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF DAVID S. PIQUETTE

On behalf of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department our heart felt sympathies go out to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for their loss.  We also offer our condolences to the deputies' family, friends and partners.   

LAPD FAMILY

Youth Donates College Money to Officer Ripatti

Blanketed with community support, Southwest Area Officer Kristina Ripatti continues to recover at an undisclosed spinal rehabilitation facility.  An armed robber shot the 33-year-old officer June 3. 

Since the incident, Officer Ripatti has enjoyed an outpouring of well wishes and donations.  Among the contributions was an $800 donation from a Southern California boy.  The 11-year-old boy donated what would have been money for his college education.

Though moved by the youth's altruistic gesture, Officer Ripatti wanted to return the money to ensure the boy attends college.  The boy's family, however, declined to take back the contribution.

At his parents' request, the boy's identity is being withheld.

Lt. De La Torre

Public Communications Section

LAPD ESSAY CONTEST

LAPD, in conjuction with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles held the Third Annual Essay Award Ceremony, at the Los Angeles Police Academy.  The contest was open to students in the grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. Over 750 students participated in this year's event.

The LAPD Essay Contest intends to address three areas: allow our youth to contemplate and express their opinions on social issues, highlight the students perception of police officers, and promote serious discussion with their peers, teachers, and parents about quality of life issues.

Assistant Chief George Gascon, along with emcee Mr. Francisco Pinto, Univision KMEX 34 News Anchor, presented the ten winners with City Certificates honoring their achievements.  Students were also awarded other prizes. 

Students were asked to write in 350 words or less on how as LAPD officers they would help to prevent young people from becoming involved in crime. Short excerpts of the student's ideas are as follows:

Mr. Esteban Aguilera, James A. Fosha Learning Center, wrote about talking to young people about how their lives would be affected if they broke the law.  He also suggested providing teenagers with tours of juvenile hall.   

Miss Eidah Hilo, George K. Porter Middle School, wrote how as an LAPD officer she would make a documentary film about prisoners' lives and show it at student assemblies. 

Mr. Chandler Hudson, Valley Alternative Magnet School, described how he would have prisoners and former gang members share their experiences with teenagers.

Miss Stephanie Orozco, Our Lady of Lourdes School, indicated she would speak and listen to young people who have broken the law to prevent them from repeating their mistakes. 

Miss Eliana Portillo, South Gate Middle School, wrote that teenagers who have a good relationship with their parents were less likely to be involved in crime. She would hold seminars where parents could learn to develop open relationships with their teenage children.

Mr. Michael Raynis, Chaminade College Preparatory, wrote that the best way to keep a teenager from becoming a career criminal is by offering them a second chance in the form of counseling and guidance to help them become productive.

Miss Clarissa Rodriguez, Our Lady of the Rosary School, wrote how as an LAPD officer she would serve as a mentor where open communication would be the key to helping teenagers stay away from drugs and violence.

Mr. Patrick McGonagle, Chaminade College Preparatory wrote about the importance of police officers forging alliances with young people to address today's social problems.

Ms. Carissa Lamas,Ramona Convent Secondary School would seek the advise of Chief William Bratton to develop after school programs.

Miss Jennefer Romero, Hollenbeck Middle School, wrote how she would interact with teenagers and stress the importance of parental guidance.    

Once again thank you to all of the participating students, not only for your hard work, but your commitment.  The future is bright in Los Angeles.  A special thank you to the sponsors of the event, Wells Fargo Bank, Safe Moves, California Science Center, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Dodgers, Polaroid Corporation, Feld Entertainment, La Opinion, Univision, Los Angeles Unified School District and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.