LAPD Blog

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck was joined by Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, representatives from the Mayor's office and business partners, including Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA), University of Southern California (USC), and the Los Angeles Rams to announce the official launch of the Department's iWATCHLA app.

The iWATCHLA app, provides citizens the ability to quickly and easily report terrorist related suspicious activity and participate in the fight against terrorism at the local level. Chief Charlie Beck and Sheriff Jim McDonnell also announced the partnership between the two departments in the use of the iWATCHLA program throughout the Los Angeles region.

The group was also joined by a number of businesses who are assisting in the roll out of a robust public awareness program - including donated advertising art, billboard space from CCOA, and donated handouts in reusable bags as part of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's new clear bag security policy at USC and Rams' football games. This multi-pronged approach is aimed at increasing downloads and widespread use of the application, which works best when everyone is engaged.

"The fight against terrorism is most effective when we are all on the front line. We want everyone to remember that if they see something, iWATCHLA is the way to report it. This program and the launch of the iWATCHLA app truly empowers our residents to report suspicious behavior or activity that may have a connection to terrorism quickly and easily, and ensures we are all engaged in protecting the safety of our region," said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck. "The effectiveness of the iWATCHLA program and app is entirely dependent on community participation and we are incredibly grateful to the generous donations from our partners - Clear Channel Outdoor Americas, USC and the Rams that will help deliver the message to the Los Angeles region that everyone should download the iWATCHLA app and, in turn, play a direct role in the safety of our region."

The iWATCHLA, iREPORT, i KEEP US SAFE (iWATCHLA) program was originally unveiled in October 2009 and is a 21st century version of Neighborhood Watch. iWATCHLA emphasizes the need to become educated on behaviors and activities that may have a connection to terrorism, rather than individuals. The program is a partnership between the community and the Los Angeles Police Department that encourages residents to recognize and report suspicious behaviors and activities in order to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

The partners also unveiled new designs for the robust public awareness campaign that launches today. The designs - donated by CCOA - focus on use of the app, urging residents to "prevent terrorism" by downloading and using the iWATCHLA app. This campaign will go up on billboards throughout Los Angeles over the next several months. Information on the program and the app is also bolstered by USC adding 10,000 flyers to USCs newly designed reusable clear bags, and the Rams adding the flyers to their merchandise bags when they sell Rams' gear at the Coliseum.

"The fight against terrorism is best fought when we are all engaged, and Clear Channel Outdoor Americas is proud to donate our assets to strengthening the power of our communities and the safety of our neighborhoods," said Layne Lawson, Vice President of Public Affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor Americas Southern California Division.

To report a suspicious behavior or activity or to learn more about iWATCH search and download the app in English or Spanish at iWATCHLA and iWATCHLA ESPANOL, visit www.iWATCHLA.org. or report an incident by calling 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328).

Sylmar: The Los Angeles Police Department's Operation Valley Bureau homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the murder suspect of 23-year old Alan Castor a resident of San Fernando Valley.

On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, around 1:40 a.m., Mission Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon Shooting" at Sayre Street and Dronfield Avenue in the city of Sylmar.

When the officers arrived they found the victim lying on the ground in the parking lot of an apartment complex suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation revealed the suspect approached the victim, who was standing on the sidewalk with friends. The suspect and victim began to argue. The suspect produced a handgun and fired several shots at the victim. The suspect then fled the location.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Dave Peteque at (818) 374-1934. 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

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