LAPD Blog

Magnet Program Graduates

On this bright sunny day, we didn’t see the big boys in blue march across the police academy field but this time a much younger version had the opportunity. Hundreds of magnet students from across the City marched across the field in their newly pressed, light blue uniforms representing their school.

The Police Academy Magnet School Program is implemented at Monroe, Dorsey, Wilson, San Pedro and Reseda High School.  An LAPD officer is assigned to each school as an aide, mentor, physical training instructor and a role model. With the help of an individual mentor, cadets will learn more about law enforcement, career options, and will have a police officer as a friend.

Chief of Police Charlie Beck commented on how much it was an honor to stand before them and present them with their certificates.  Chief Beck’s motto for his police officers is Cops count, Character counts, do the right thing and you will make a difference.  He changed it a bit and stated, “Cadets count, Character counts, do the right thing and you can make a difference. I believe one day one of you can be up here as Chief of Police.”

The magnet school students stood at attention while several Los Angeles Police Staff officers inspected them for their uniform inspection.

Web Video Leads to Personnel Complaint Investigation

Los Angeles:  Yesterday morning a video depicting an encounter between a police officer and a street photographer came to the attention of the Los Angeles Police Department.  The video was taken in approximately February of 2010.  After viewing that video tape, the LAPD immediately initiated an internal investigation to be conducted by Internal Affairs.   

The video depicts an encounter between a street photographer and an officer of the Los Angeles Police Department.  On the video, two LAPD officers can be seen conducting what appears to be a traffic stop in the area of Hollywood Boulevard and Normandie Avenue when their attention is drawn to a street photographer with a camera in his hand.  

On the video, which appears to have been captured by a second video camera, one officer can be seen dividing his attention between an apparent traffic violator and the street photographer who had taken an interest and was photographing the enforcement activity.  At a point in the video footage, the involved officer directed some words toward the photographer that warrants an investigation by Internal Affairs and a review by the officer’s chain of command.  

Commander Richard Webb said, “Internal Affairs will conduct an exhaustive and impartial investigation into this matter.  Constitutional policing is very important to Chief Beck and we examine cases through that lens.  We will keep the Inspector General informed of the progress of the investigation which will ultimately be presented to the Chief of Police to determine if any discipline or retraining should take place.”

iWATCH Launches at Los Angeles International Airport Program Encourages Airport Visitors and Communities to Help Fight Terrorism

IWATCH podcast at LAX

Los Angeles:  This morning at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congresswoman Jane Harman, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Police Division Chief George R. Centeno, and numerous other city and community leaders launched iWATCH LAX, a community engagement effort to fight terrorism.  

iWATCH, referred to as the “21st century version of Neighborhood Watch,” is designed to enable members of the public to help protect their communities by identifying and reporting suspicious behaviors and activities known to be used by terrorists.  It’s the latest tool in use at LAX to help guard against terrorism.

“Our City is faced with a new kind of threat in the 21st Century that requires us to be vigilant of our communities,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “iWATCH not only provides an avenue to report suspicious activity, but more importantly it involves and educates the public about suspicious activities and behaviors, not personal characteristics, that may be associated with terrorist activities.”

“I’m excited about maintaining and building upon our partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department in the sharing of potential intelligence information that will help Los Angeles Airport Police further protect LAX Airport,” said LAWA Chief of Airport Police George R. Centeno.

The iWATCH LAX program will feature an airport emergency police contact number in its media materials along with the 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328) and iWATCHLA.org contact information, for callers who wish to report suspicious activity or behavior they witness at LAX that requires immediate attention.  The reports will be analyzed by trained LAPD detectives.

Mayor Villaraigosa simultaneously launched the iWATCH campaign in multiple languages, a new feature of the LAPD’s website.  The www.iwatchla.org site, if accessed through www.lapdonline.org, allows viewers to scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on a flag consistent with the language they prefer, which will translate all LAPD pages, including the iWATCH page, to the chosen language.  iWATCH will also expand its access to Angelenos through a public service announcement (PSA) featuring Mayor Villaraigosa in Spanish and English, and brochures in English, Spanish and Korean.  

For additional outreach, the LAPD has created media partnerships for the iWatch campaign.  Our partners include the LA Daily News, LA 18 KSCI-TV, ABC7, La Opinion, KFI 640AM and the Los Angeles Downtown News.  Logos and links have been exchanged with our iWatch media partners to enable users to conveniently and quickly switch from website to website.
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Los Angeles residents now have a specific program enabling them to learn about and report suspicious activity or behavior that may have a connection to terrorism.  All reports are reviewed by trained detectives and kept confidential.  Individuals can call the threat line at 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328), call 911 if an emergency or crime is occurring, contact their local police station or go to www.iwatchla.org to file a report.  At the website, more terrorism-related information is also available by viewing an educational film or PSA, downloading a brochure or reading about the behaviors and activities that may apply to different industries.  

iWATCH was developed to complement the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) system, a reporting program designed by the LAPD for line-level officers.  “Individuals have varying thresholds at which they feel compelled to notify authorities when the activity is not overtly terrorist related,” said LAPD Chief Beck.  “The iWATCH program is a giant leap toward overcoming this problem and literally provides millions of new eyes and ears in the terrorism prevention effort.  An alert community can act as a deterrent to terrorism, and an educated and trained public can feel more in control of their lives if they partner with law enforcement in the fight against terrorism.”

The iWATCH program is designed to be easily adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide.  The marketing materials, which include the iWATCH brand, a community training video, PSAs, brochures and posters, can be modified to reflect any particular city or community and create an iconic image that can become the umbrella program for the nation.  By downloading videos, brochures and setting up a reporting process through www.iwatch.org, any city or agency can create its own iWATCH website where the public can get information about the program and terrorism.  

For more information, contact the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Safe Summer Crime Prevention Tips

Los Angeles: As the summer season approaches, LAPD property crimes detectives want to remind community members that taking precautions with your property, both in your house and your car, may prevent you from being the victim of a crime.

You can help us to reduce crimes and protect your valuable property by employing the following tips regularly.

● Lock doors and windows every time you go out
● Lock your windows at night
● Don’t leave cash and jewelry in plain sight.  Lock up your valuables and only tell their location to people who need to know.  Consider purchasing a safe that can’t be moved easily.
● Make use of a safe deposit box if you don’t have a safe.
● Close pet doors whenever possible.
● Trim bushes and trees so that your house and front door are visible from the street
● Leave lights on at night.  Buy timers for your lights and set them in a random pattern.
● Keep a radio or TV on during the day
● Install motion lights around your property
● Vary your times of arrival and departure whenever possible.  
● Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business or store.
● Always roll up the windows and lock your car even in hot weather.
● Never leave your keys in the ignition, not even in a locked garage.  Beware of Hide-a- key boxes.
● Leave nothing in plain sight, including I-Pods, cell phones, GPS systems, purses and laptop computers.
● Personal identification documents, credit cards or vehicle ownership title should not be in your car.  
● Park cars in well lit areas.
● Invest in alarm systems and anti-theft vehicle devices.
● Keep a copy of your license plate and vehicle identification numbers
● If your vehicle is stolen, report it immediately.
● Do not leave your wallet or other valuables unattended on park benches, picnic blankets or beach towels, even when you are playing sports or swimming.

For more information, calls may be directed to the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Man Dies After Being Stabbed with a Sword

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley homicide detectives are asking the public to help locate a 34-year-old man wanted in connection with a murder.

On June 1, 2025 at about 10:05 pm, West Valley Area patrol officers responded to a 9-1-1 call about an assault with a deadly weapon involving a knife at a business in the 7600 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue.  When officers arrived, they met with three male victims who had been cut and stabbed by a sword-wielding coworker.  

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported all three to a local hospital for treatment.  One victim, a 30-year-old male from Canoga Park, died as a result of his injuries.  For now, his name is being withheld pending notification of family members.  The other two victims were treated; one was released and the other remains hospitalized.

West Valley homicide detectives were called to the scene to investigate.  The location is home to an adult entertainment business.  The initial investigation revealed that the victims and witnesses were socializing inside the closed business at the end of a work day.  The suspect, who has been identified as 34-year-old Stephen Clancy Hill of Canoga Park, was also present.  Without provocation, Hill became enraged and armed himself with a sword, typically used as a prop, which he then used to attack one victim.  Two additional victims attempted to assist the first victim and they became the focus of the attack.  One of these victims sustained the fatal wound.  Three witnesses, who were also present inside the business, ran from the location.    

Stephen Hill was last seen leaving the scene in a blue 1998 Toyota RAV 4 with a California license plate of 5YTC423.  The names of all the victims are being withheld pending the arrest of Stephen Hill.

Anyone with information about Hill’s whereabouts is urged to contact West Valley homicide detectives at 818-374-7730 during regular business hours.  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.

Top Cops Wager on Championship

Los Angeles - Boston:  LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Boston Police Commissioner
Edward F. Davis made a friendly wager on the outcome of the NBA championship series.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck contacted Commissioner Davis and proposed a gentleman’s bet.  They agreed that the top cop from the first place city would host the top cop from the second place city.  While in the host city, the top cop from the second place city will work a shift on patrol. 

Chief Beck and Commissioner Davis set some basic rules.  Both have agreed to use their own vacation time for the trip.  The top cop who has to travel will work in their own uniform, but alongside local officers, since the visiting executive will not really have jurisdiction in the other state.  Finally, both top cops have agreed that no matter the outcome, the traveling chief or commissioner will eat well.  

Chief Beck said, “I’m not sure where I would have Commissioner Davis work, maybe Hollywood.”

Motorcyclist Dies After Colliding with a Light Pole

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about a traffic collision that left a motorist dead in Northridge.

Detectives say that on June 2, 2025 at around 2:12 a.m., a man was riding a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle at a high rate of speed east on Devonshire Street just west of Corbin Avenue.  The driver lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a light pole.  The man was thrown off of his bike landing about 300 feet from the point of impact.

Los Angeles City Paramedics responded and pronounced the motorist dead.

The identity of the man is being withheld until his family members are notified.

If anyone has any information about this traffic collision, contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Christopher Laurino at 818-644-8021 or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8021.  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.

A Bittersweet Last Day on the Job

Los Angeles:  Thursday, June 3, 2010 will be a bittersweet day for at least two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers.  Sergeant Patrick Shannon will be retiring after nearly 30 years of service and will be spending his final day on patrol with his daughter, Officer Samantha Shannon.

Officer Shannon has 2 ½ years with the LAPD and is very excited to be working with her father on his last day as an LAPD officer.  Officer Shannon is assigned to 77th Street Area and that is where they will be patrolling, not as father and daughter, but as partners.

Sergeant Shannon began his career in December 1980.  He has completed various tours of duty in a wide range of assignments all over the City.  Sergeant Shannon started his career as a rookie officer in the Central Area. From there, he completed stints in Communications Division, West Valley, Rampart, Van Nuys, and Southwest Areas of the City, assigned to a variety of assignments including Patrol, Vice, Gang Unit, Patrol Supervisor and Watch Commander.  He will be retiring out of Metropolitan Division’s, B-Platton, where he has spent the past 12 years as a well respected supervisor, in a coveted spot within the LAPD.

After retiring Sergeant Shannon plans to travel and enjoy life with his wife of 35 years.

Sergeant and Officer Shannon will begin their mid-day watch at 77th Street Area with Roll Call Training at 10 a.m.  The media is invited to attend Roll Call Training.  The Shannon’s will be available for interviews.

Please contact Media Relations Section with any questions at 213-486-5910.

30 year pin ceremony

Today several men and women, sworn and civilian of the Los Angeles Police Department received a special recognition.  On June 1, 2010, many individuals proudly accepted their 30 year or plus City pin. “What a great day it is to recognize people who have committed their lives to this organization,” said Chief of Police, Charlie Beck.

Before they started giving out the pins to the recipients a special recognition was given to Ms. Marlene Greenfield for her 60 years of commitment and dedication to the City of Los Angeles.  Ms. Greenfield started working for the City in 1950 and ended her career at Pacific Division as a Principle Clerk Police II.

“To you young pups that have served 30 years, it takes two of you to match Marlene’s service,” Chief Beck jokingly stated.  As the audience laughed they gave Ms. Greenfield a standing ovation.  She was assisted to the stage to receive her 60 year pin, a plaque and huge bouquet of flowers.

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.

Man Shot at a Party in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives are asking the public to provide information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect wanted for killing 21-year-old Christopher Galloway.

On May 31, 2010, at around 12:37 a.m., Galloway was attending a party in the 1800 block of West 74th Street when two suspects walked up to Galloway and demanded entry in the party.  When Galloway asked how they were invited, one of them pulled a gun, claimed a gang affiliation and shot Galloway.  The suspects ran from the location heading west on 74th Street, then north on St. Andrews Place.  The suspects are described as male Blacks, 18 to 20 years of age.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Galloway to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.  Galloway does not have any gang ties.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Criminal Gang Homicide Division Detectives Mun or Mendoza at 213-485-1383.  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.