LAPD Blog

Civilian Appreciation Month 2011

October 5, 2024 – The rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of the many civilian employees of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as “Civilian Appreciation Month” kicked off with a barbeque lunch at the Police Administration Building in Downtown.  As smoke billowed from the grill, employees took the time to catch up with former colleagues now assigned to different divisions.

October in the LAPD is “Civilian Appreciation Month” which serves as an opportunity for the sworn police officers, from the Chief on down, to recognize and thank their civilian colleagues for the work they do throughout the year.  Of the approximately 13,000 employees of the LAPD, roughly 3,000 of those are civilian employees.

Civilian employees work in a supportive capacity, assisting their sworn counterparts in various duties such as clerical work, policy making, mechanical maintenance, information technology, public relations and emergency dispatching.  Job titles include Police Service Representative, Auto Mechanic, Store Keeper, Forensic Fingerprint Specialist, Police Administrator, Systems Analyst and Senior Clerk Typist to name a few.

The Department is tremendously grateful for all the hard work and dedication civilian employees do and show in their day-to-day duties. They are a vital part to the success of the organization.

LAPD Promotional Ceremony

October 6, 2024 –

Download Promotional Speech

In the Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium at the Police Administration Building, the Los Angeles Police Department promoted one Deputy Chief, three Commanders and nine Lieutenants.  It was the first ceremony of its kind in more than a year as the City’s financial situation has made promoting employees nearly impossible.

Included in the promotional ceremony was the promotion of Captain Regina Scott to the rank of Commander.  Her promotion makes her the first African-American woman  to be promoted to the rank of Commander in the history of the Department.

Other promotees include:

Rick Jacobs to the rank of Deputy Chief
Kevin McCarthy to the rank of Commander
John Sherman to the rank of Commander
Manuel Martinez to the rank of Lieutenant
Helen Lopez to the rank of Lieutenant
Timothy Harrelson to the rank of Lieutenant
Mark Dibell to the rank of Lieutenant
Marc Reina to the rank of Lieutenant
Siage Hosea to the rank of Lieutenant
Theresa Coyle to the rank of Lieutenant
Jonathan Tippet to the rank of Lieutenant
Alfonso Lopez to the rank of Lieutenant

The Department would like to congratulate all of the promotees and wish them well in their new assignments.

43-year-old Woman Missing

Last Seen in the Area of the Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles:  The family of Lizette Raktoe and the Los Angeles Police Department are requesting the public’s help in locating 43-year-old Raktoe who is in serious need of medication due to a variety of medical problems.  

Lizette arrived alone from the Netherlands at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 5, 2011.  She is described as a female, white, 5’4”, 200 lbs., with brown hair, and brown eyes.  According to detectives, Ms. Raktoe has been frequenting the terminals of LAX, the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel located in the 6100 block of West Century Boulevard, the Venice Beach area and various parks on the Westside of Los Angeles.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Lizette Raktoe, is asked to contact Detectives Carmine Sasso or Kristin Merrill, Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.  Members of the media who wish to speak with the family of Lizette Raktoe are asked to call Media Relations at 213-486-5910.


     

Officers from LAPD’s Foothill Division Search for a Critical Missing Woman

Los Angeles:  The family of Robin Lea and the officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Area are asking for the public’s help in locating a 51-year-old woman who is in need of regularly administered medication. 

Robin Lea was last heard from on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., via a cell phone call.  The call originated in the area of Sierra Highway and Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita. Ms. Lea may be driving a 2006 charcoal grey 2-door Toyota Scion, with personalized California license plates that read “SQRPNTS.”   

Robin Lea is described as a 51-year-old White female with blonde hair. She stands 5’ 9” tall and weighs about 120 lbs. She was last seen wearing a brown jacket with a brown fur trim collar, blue jeans, sandals and prescription glasses.   

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robin Lea should call Foothill Police Station at 818-756-8861.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be diraected to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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 October 4, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President Richard Drooyan, on behalf of the Commission, wished the two LAPD officers who were shot over the weekend a full and speedy recovery. 

•    Police Commission Vice President John Mack met with Deputy Chief Michael Downing and Commander Robert Green to discuss an officer involved shooting which occurred a few weeks back.  He also attended the Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) Summit with Commission President Richard Drooyan and said it was a nice event.  Vice President Mack finished by saying he attended the Mayor’s conversation with City Commissioners.  He said it served as an opportunity for Commissioners to raise questions or concerns they may have.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board the two officers injured in the officer involved shooting over the weekend are recovering from their injuries but one of them sustained an eye injury which will require additional surgeries.  Chief Beck added this was the 157th assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer so far this year.  He completed his comments by thanking President Drooyan and Vice President Mack for attending the C-PAB Summit and said the summit was an important part of community policing.

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Southeast Area was given by Captain Phillip Tingirides.  Captain Tingirides stated his area currently has a Spanish C-PAB, a Teen C-PAB and a Senior Club.  He said their primary focus is youth programs which include a surfing and hockey club, a Jeopardy program and Family Friday’s where uniformed police officers go to the local elementary schools and read to students. 

•    The Department’s verbal presentation, PowerPoint and discussion relative to the current status and potential impact of the State Public Safety Realignment Implementation Act and Post-Release Community Supervision of State prison inmates was given by Assistant Chief Michel Moore and Captain William Hart.  Captain Hart informed the Board the purpose of the Act is to relieve over-crowding in the state prison system.  This would be accomplished by establishing local jail custody, modifying parole status, and shifting the revocation process from the state to the counties.  It is projected that 9000 inmates would be released to Los Angeles County with 14-15 thousand more the following year.  Captain Hart added Los Angeles County Probation Department would be the lead agency with collaboration from the LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Department.  Deputy Chief Moore said some of the concerns with the influx of prisoners into the County system is a lack of funding, insufficient jail space, the lack of information systems for support are not in place and the rushed implementation of the Act.  Chief Moore finished by saying the Department’s Detective Bureau and Gang and Narcotics Division will oversee the program and the Department will dedicate development of personnel to assist probation in monitoring and compliance at each area station. 

•    The Department’s verbal presentation, update and discussion relative to the Police Cadet program was given by Senior Management Analyst Natalie Torres-Sorriano.  Ms. Torres-Sorriano said the Cadets are involved in various events including the C-PAB Summit, Anti-Bullying seminar, National Night Out and the LAPD Youth Leadership Day.  The last graduation class had 290 graduates and the current class has 320 recruits.  The graduation ceremonies take place at the Galen Center next to the University of Southern California campus. 

•    The Executive Directors report, dated September 27, 2011, regarding the supplemental response relative to policy recommendations submitted to the Board of Police Commissioners by the Los Angeles Community Action Network, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 22, 2011, relative to Blake-Justice Consent Decree – Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Annual Report, as given by Deputy Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, was approved and transmitted to the Personnel Department, Public Safety Bureau, Recruitment and Selection Division. Chief MacArthur said in 1980 the Department entered into the consent decree which made it track the rank, gender and ethnicity of officers.  She said the areas of focus were women, African-Americans and Hispanics.  Chief MacArthur finished by saying the Department currently consists of 19.2% women, 11% African-American and 46% Hispanic.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 20, 2011, relative to second amendment to professional services agreement contract No. C-110675 with Huntington Court Reporters & Transcription, Inc., for court reporter services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 20, 2011, relative to third amendment to professional services agreement contract No. C-110674, with Kennedy Court Reporters, Inc., for court reporter services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 20, 2011, relative to third amendment to professional services agreement contract No. C-110676, with Lynden J. and Associates, Inc., for court reporters services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 30, 2011, and Inspector General’s report, dated September 28, 2011, relative to the quarterly discipline report for the first quarter 2011, was approved. 

Missing Person Notification

Los Angeles:  The family of Daisy Knight and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s help in finding the 86-year-old missing woman.

Knight was last seen on October 1, 2024 at the 16000 Block of South Denver Avenue in the City of Gardena.  She has not been seen or heard from.  The family is very concerned for her safety.

Knight is an 86-year-old Black female with black hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds.  Knight was last seen wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans.   Knight suffers from a medical condition and may be in need of medical assistance.  Knight has been known to use the bus to travel around the Los Angeles Area.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Knight please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Merrill 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can 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.

Office Creeper Identified

Los Angeles:  Detectives are asking the public’s help in finding Otis Anthony Deaver, 57, who has been tied to a spree of office burglaries over the last two months.  Detectives released video and still photos of Deaver, who often dresses in a security guard’s jacket as a disguise to blend in and wander around unchallenged in downtown business buildings.

“Deaver is a career burglar who likes to steal laptops right off of desks,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.  “We’ve tied him to two thefts since August, and detectives at Rampart Division have tied him to several more thefts.”

Deaver is Black, over 6 feet tall, with a thin build.  He walks with a distinct limp.  He was last seen October 3 inside a downtown bank with his head and face shaved.

“These office creepers are a bit creepy when one considers they are sneaking around in your workplace as you work,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “No one should have to feel unsafe at work nor have to hide one’s computer to take a break.”

Deaver has family in Whittier, California, but detectives believe he is staying in the downtown area.

A video of Deaver entering 1900 Wilshire Boulevard in a security jacket can be seen below.

Anyone with additional information on this crime is urged to call Detective Pat Roman, Central Burglary Unit, at 213-972-1230.  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.

Chief of Police Message - October 2011

I hope this message finds you well.  I want to begin this month’s message with a topic that is very important to me.  Family.  I often speak of my work family because that’s what our Department is; a family.  The bond we share is one that few people outside our profession truly understand.  This bond carries us through difficult times and helps us realize that the job we are entrusted to do comes with great responsibility, and we cannot do it alone.  

There are those within our organization who carry a gun and wear a badge, and those who do not, but who fully understand our brotherhood and our LAPD family as well.  They are our civilian employees.     

LAPD’s civilian work force is the backbone of our organization; the glue that holds everything together in this family.  They are the support network on which we constantly depend.  Without them, 911 calls for service would go unanswered; reports would not be entered; forensic evidence would not be analyzed; information systems would be non-existent and our fleet of vehicles would not be serviced.  LAPD’s civilian work force is absolutely vital to our day-to-day operations and to our success as a Department.     

In recent years, our entire civilian staff has had to endure mandatory unpaid time off due to the City’s ongoing fiscal crisis.  This has had a profoundly adverse effect on their financial situations.  They have had to give up many important things in order to support themselves and their families.  Despite this burden, they continue to perform at a level of professionalism that is second to none.

During the month of October we will recognize our civilian brothers and sisters during the
2nd Annual Civilian Appreciation Month.  I am tremendously proud to serve alongside such a dedicated and talented group, and I know our sworn workforce shares my sentiment.  So the next time you need that DR number or you have that question about your time, stop and take a minute to say “Thank You.”  Our civilians more than deserve it.  Take the effort to demonstrate that they are part of our family.

Mental Illness  

Working in a large and diverse city like Los Angeles you come across many different types of people.  Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, personalities and characters.  As a first responder you get to see this first hand.  

When you first come in contact with individuals on a radio call or a traffic stop, there is really no telling what to expect.  There is no pre-screening process to determine the type of person you are about to encounter.  This is why training is so important.

Recently officers from another law enforcement agency were involved in a use of force with a mentally ill subject.  The incident garnered considerable negative public and media attention and was another reminder to us of the complexities you will come across in the field.

Dealing with the mentally ill or mentally challenged requires special attention to detail in order to assure yours and the subject’s safety.  This is why our Department offers special training such as the Autism Awareness Training and the Mental Health Introduction Course, held just last month.  These programs heighten your awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and help you better understand how to deal with mentally ill subjects.  

Use of Force

Police officers are the only public servants legally authorized to use force while trying to protect people or property.  This is a special privilege that must not be abused.  We all know how serious a use of force can be.  Reputations, careers and even lives may be at stake.  I want to remind you that in this day and age of instant messaging, social media, camera phones and digital technology, you should always assume someone is watching and recording all of your public actions.  

As your Chief, you will have my full support if you are ever involved in a use of force where, within the bounds set by Department policy, you are protecting the lives or safety of the public or each other.  However, any unauthorized use of force will not and cannot be tolerated.  

In the heat of the moment I know your adrenaline is pumping and your emotions are keyed up, but you must manage to maintain your composure.  If you see that your partner might start getting a little carried away, step in and defuse the situation.  Look out for each other and take care of each other.  Don’t put yourself or your partner in a position which could jeopardize your careers.

Commendable Caper
 
On July 28, 2011, officers from Central Division responded to an “Attempt Suicide” radio call.  The officers arrived on scene and with the help of Air 18, they located the distraught male on top of a 12-story building, standing on the ledge.  

The officers attempted to make contact with him, but he was nonresponsive and was inching towards the ledge.  Without hesitation, the officers reached out and grabbed the subject just as he stepped off the ledge, becoming dead weight in their arms.  Struggling to not drop him, even after he bit one of the rescuing officers on the arm, the initial three officers holding onto him received much needed help when other Central officers arrived on the roof.  With a coordinated team effort, the officers were able to secure the subject to the railing using a hobble restraint and handcuffs, and continued to hold onto him until the fire department arrived and assisted in completing the rescue effort.  

Due to the outstanding work and dedication of the officers on scene, a potential tragedy was averted and the subject was able to get the help he so desperately needed.  Thanks to the following Central Area personnel:


P-3 Manuel Armendariz #35292
P-3 Robert Reich #36401
P-2 Mario Botello #37159
P-2 Ruben Cantu #36843
P-2 Arthur Gonzalez #38846
P-2 Rick Linton #38456
P-2 Jorge Ortega #38863
P-2 John Padilla #39168
P-2 Blair Roth #38153


Every day you have the opportunity to have a positive impact in the communities you serve.  Take advantage of that.  Know that cops count, character counts, do the right thing and you can be the difference.    
 
Detective II Jesse Ravega, Serial No. 25151

On September 2, 2011, my heart was heavy and I was overwhelmed with sadness when I learned of Jesse’s tragic death.  This is yet another one of our brother officers, taken from us much too soon.  Jesse was assigned to Foothill Gang Detectives, and was well respected by coworkers and the community.  This will be a difficult time for them as they cope with this sudden void in their lives.  Please keep Jesse’s wife, three children and his work family at Foothill Area, in your prayers.  Jesse will certainly be missed, but not forgotten.  

Beware Bandits Snatching Gold Chains in the Valley

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Mission Area detectives are asking for the publics
help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects who they believe are responsible for approaching victims and snatching their gold chains from their necks.

Beginning on September 18, 2011, at 4:45 p.m., at the 14200 block of Roscoe Boulevard was the first time the suspects approached one of their victims and grabbed the gold necklaces from around their neck.  The suspects then ran back to their car and drove away.  There have been multiple victims that were targeted by these robbery suspects:

September 22, 2024 at approximately 5:20 p.m. at Willis Avenue and Chase Street
September 24, 2024 at approximately 12:25 p.m. at the 8800 block of Cedros Avenue
September 24, 2024 at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Rayen Street and Langdon Avenue
September 26, 2024 at approximately 2:10 p.m. at Strathern Street and Mammoth Avenue

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic or Armenian male, 20-25 years-old, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds.  He has a shaved head and has tattoos on one of his hands, unknown which hand.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 22-23 years-old, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds.  He also had a light mustache.

The suspects drove away in a 4 door, white Honda Accord.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is urged to call Mission Area Detective P. Cabunoc 818-838-9895.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 213-978-6500 or 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.

Sexual Predator on the Loose in Wilmington NR11454cj

Los Angeles:  The LAPD Harbor Sex Crime Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information about a sexual predator roaming in the city of Wilmington.

On September 26, 2011, at around 6:50 a.m., a 12-year-old girl was walking to school on Wilmington Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) when a man stopped his car in front of her and exposed his penis.  When other people began to approach he drove away.  Two days later, at 3:30 p.m., a 12-year-old boy was approached by two males in a car on Bayview Avenue and R Street.  The driver asked the boy to approach him, but the boy refused and walked away.  The driver followed the boy and pulled up next to him and asked the boy again to approach his car.  After the boy refused the man drove away from the location.   

Detectives say that both incidents occurred in the Wilmington area.  The description of the driver was a male Hispanic with a dark complexion in his mid-thirties.  He was seen driving a grey four door compact car in both incidents.  There was no description for the passenger in the second incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harbor Area Sex Crimes Detective Gasparian at (310) 726-7754 or (310) 726-7900.  Off Hours call the desk at (310) 726-7700.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.