CommentsRANTZ & RAVEZ--I recently met some friends for coffee at a shopping center in Woodland Hills. When I arrived, they informed me that a man had approached them and attempted to sell them some drugs including marijuana.
The man was standing next to a Jeep and was approaching patrons in the shopping center as they walked past him. I observed the actions of the suspect for a while and decided to phone for a police unit to investigate.
At 9:50 pm, I phoned the LAPD and reported the situation and waited for a unit to arrive. During this time, the suspect continued to approach pedestrians in the parking lot and engage in a short conversation. The pedestrians would then walk away and the suspect would return to his Jeep and enter and exit and then approach other pedestrians.
After waiting for 30 minutes, I decided to leave. It was around 10:20 pm. No police unit ever arrived to investigate the situation.
At 11:40 pm, I received a phone call from LAPD dispatch inquiring about the situation. I informed the dispatcher that I left the location and went home after waiting approximately 30 minutes for a unit that never arrived. Some of you may ask why didn’t I approach the suspect and conduct an investigation myself. The answer is very simple. Without the proper identification and equipment, I would be risking my safety and the safety of others by encountering a possible drug dealer in a parking lot at night.
I have been informed by many Los Angeles residents that the response time of the LAPD is getting longer and longer. This situation impacts public safety and the safety of you and your family.
While the latest (12-16-17) LAPD COMPSTAT report shows the LAPD at strength of 10,038 personnel, it is clearly not sufficient to police the city with a population of over 4 million residents.
In addition to the 21 geographic patrol divisions and detective operations, the LAPD has taken responsibility for the Metro Transit Lines (Bus and Train) within the City of LA. Combine this situation with the current Police Commission mandate to De-escalate the use of force with combative suspects, another way of saying RETREAT from the situation; there is no wonder that the response time is taking a hit along with increasing crime and the homeless in all neighborhoods throughout LA.
Under the current city leadership, I don’t see this situation improving any time soon. The next time you see an officer on patrol, think of what they are encountering on a daily basis. Wave hello to them to let them know that at least you care about them and what they are trying to do to “Protect and Serve” you and your family.
The latest LAPD COMPSTAT Citywide Crime Profile. (2015 vs 2017)
Violent Crime
Homicide -0.7%
Rape -6.7%
Robbery +20.1%
Aggravated Assaults +16.5%
Total Violent +15.8
Property Crime
Burglary +1.4%
Motor Vehicle Theft +16.8 %
Burglary Theft from Vehicle +14.3%
Personal/Other Theft -2.1%
Total Part 1 +8.7%
Arrests
Homicide +13.8%
Rape -8.4%
Robbery +12.0%
Aggravated Assault +6%
Resident of the Larceny -25.2%
Motor Vehicle Theft +32%
Total All Arrests -15.2%
LIONS CLUB
I have been installed as the president of the West Valley Lions Club. The Lions Club, which has been around over 100 years, is involved in many community programs. We are expanding our membership in 2018. If you are interested in joining a group of residents and business owners that enjoy helping those with blindness and other illness, consider joining us. We meet once a month in Woodland Hills. You can obtain information by contacting me at [email protected].
HAPPY NEW YEAR
As we close 2017 and enter 2018, I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. May 2018 bring you Good Health, Prosperity and Happiness.
(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.)
-cw
