Tag Archives: Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Explorer Graduation

Photo:LASD
(from left to Right) The Grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. Also pictured Sgt. Saldecke and Capt. Reyes

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar-It is that time of year and graduation is in the air, on June 16, Explorer Academy Class 100 had it’s graduating ceremonies. The grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. The Academy is an 18 week long physically and mentally challenging course that requires dedication, motivation and discipline. To complete it the young explorers must complete 184 hours of lectures, demonstrations, presentations, defensive tactics, and leadership development.

 

The Sheriff’s Department Explorer Program is for young men and women interested in a career in law enforcement or community service. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21 to qualify. Explorers will get assigned to work at numerous community events during the course of the year. They will perform non-hazardous duties, such as foot patrols and KidPrint. KidPrint is a program that provides parents a confidential way of recording their child’s vital identification information and a physical description card of their children, for their records. The Explorers will be invited to events throughout the year to perform Color Guard ceremonies for the Cities of Walnut, Diamond Bar, and Relay for Life events. They also will have the privilege to experience ride-a-longs with deputies in the communities we provide services to.

For additional information regarding the Explorer Program, please contact the Explorer Coordinator at 909-595-2264.

 

 

La Puente Barricad Suspect Death

Staff Reports

La Puente – On Sun., June 14, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Industry Station personnel received a “possible domestic violence – welfare check” call for service.  Additional information led responding Deputies to contact the wife of the suspect at an undisclosed location.  The wife informed Deputies that she had been assaulted by her husband, that he was armed with a rifle, and that he had threatened to kill her and himself.

Deputies quickly formulated a plan and responded to the couple’s residence located in the 900 block of Willow Avenue in La Puente.  At the location, Deputies observed the male suspect walking around the garage area of the residence with a rifle.  As a safety precaution, containment of the residence was established and neighboring residents were immediately evacuated.

Despite several verbal commands from Deputies, the suspect refused to cooperate and surrender peacefully.  He then barricaded himself inside the residence – beginning a 12-hour standoff.

LASD Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) Special Weapons Team, along with LASD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) personnel were on scene.  CNT made dozens of attempts over the course of the entire incident to establish communication with the suspect; however the suspect was unresponsive to the communication efforts.  Additionally, SEB introduced gas into the residence and utilized a distraction device in order to gain compliance from the suspect.

After an extensive and constant effort by SEB, Industry Station Deputies and CNT making all attempts to bring about a peaceful resolution, SEB deputies made entry inside the residence and located the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect’s rifle was recovered and no Deputies were injured. The suspect’s wife was treated for minor injuries sustained during the assault.

The identity of the deceased suspect will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact LASD Industry Station at (626) 330-3322.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Pomona: Pride Run Honoring Fallen Officer Shaun Diamond

Staff Reports

 

shaun-diamond-pomona            Pomona – On Friday morning, Dec. 19, recruits from the law enforcement academy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with Pomona Police Officers, participated in a Law Enforcement Pride Run to honor Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond, who passed away in the line of duty on October 29.

The Pride Run is a traditional event that occurs at the conclusion of a law enforcement recruit officer’s training at the Sheriff or Police academy.  It typically marks the final physical fitness exercise for the class.

The Pride Run began at 7 a.m. at the Pomona Police Department on Mission Blvd, and traveled past the Pomona City Hall, Public Library, through downtown Pomona, and returned to the Police Department.

Diamond – a 16-year veteran in law enforcement and a member of Pomona’s SWAT Team – was assisting in the service of an allegedly gang-related search warrant in San Gabriel in the early morning hours of Oct. 28 when he was shot from behind (from inside the house).  He was transported to the hospital in critical condition.  He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Officers participating in the Pride Run did so with a heavy heart and a great sense pride, not only in their own accomplishments, but in remembrance and honor for their friend and colleague, Officer Diamond.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Two Local Shooting Deaths Under Investigation

Staff Reports

 

SGV – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent gang-related shooting death of a young male that was discovered on Fri., Dec. 19.

At approximately 11:38 a.m. in the 700 block of Millbury Avenue in the city of La Puente, Detectives learned that a 17-year old victim was standing in the driveway of a residence with several acquaintances when two suspects approached them on foot.  One of the suspects shot the victim in the upper torso with a handgun.

The suspects were last seen driving away in a blue or green vehicle, in an unknown direction. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

In another incident on Sun., Dec. 21, Officers of the Pomona Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Sheridan Avenue regarding a shooting victim.  Upon arrival, an adult male was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso.

According to the Pomona Police Department, the victim was riding his bicycle when the suspect vehicle pulled alongside him and fired.

The victim was treated at the scene by L.A. County Fire and airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition.  The victim died as a result of his injury.

The motive for this shooting is unknown at this time.  Pomona Police Department Detectives are actively working the case and are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact them at (909) 620-2085.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously for either of these crimes, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

 

A Hero Falls in Eastvale

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

 

Libertone 700Eastvale – On Tues., Aug. 12, Lieutenant Patrick Libertone passed away while on duty. A beloved husband, father, friend, and member of the community, Pat will be greatly missed.

Libertone was conducting a traffic stop in the City of Eastvale after a driver had recklessly cut him off. After speaking with the driver of the vehicle, Libertone collapsed on the sidewalk as he was walking back to his patrol car. An off-duty paramedic who happened to be nearby attempted to revive Libertone by commencing CPR and other lifesaving measures until other medical assistance arrived at the scene. Libertone was transferred to Corona Medical Center, where doctors continued to attempt to save his life; however, they were not successful. He was soon afterward pronounced dead due to a massive heart attack that claimed his life.

Libertone lived in Eastvale with his wife and the youngest of his six children. He had served the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 31 years, and was assigned to the Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau before his passing.

Throughout his years of service and involvement within the community, Libertone was the recipient of many awards and recognitions. Beloved by his family, friends, and coworkers, he will continue to be missed by many. At the memorial service, loved ones shared stories about how he was “born to be a cop,” always quick to put the needs of others before his own, and how he loved a good laugh.

Not only are the people that knew Libertone directly feeling the loss of such a great man, but the community has been greatly impacted as well. As a result, many have banded together to provide support to Libertone’s family. On the morning of the services, the community paid respect and showed support to his family by making signs and gathering to see his funeral procession off. Children from the nearby schools stood on the sidewalks waving American flags proudly and holding up signs thanking him for his service.

 

From the Editor-in-Chief

10-year old Dayton Goegebuer, who was a friend of Lt. Libertone, chose to do a current event presentation for his 5th Grade Class. This is an excerpt from that presentation:

 

Lt. Patrick L. Libertone was a cop. He died on Aug. 12, 2014. On that day, Lt. Libertone pulled over a reckless driver in the Eastvale area. He went to speak to the driver. When he was done, he was walking back to his vehicle when he suddenly collapsed. He had a heart attack and died immediately. Lt. Libertone lived in Eastvale with his wife and kids. Libertone was a great man, and everyone who knew him would like to see him again, including me.

I chose this topic to write about because Lt. Libertone was a good man who helped a lot of people. I am sad to write about him dying, but glad that he did so many good things in his life. I think I can help his family cheer up because they are close friends, so I could make them happy. I also think that people should be more like Mr. Libertone because he helped so many people.

 

Rowland Heights: Local Kidnap and Ransom Rescue

STAFF REPORTS

 

garage-held-kidnap-victim-in-rowland-heights

Rowland Heights garage where kidnap victim was held. (Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Rowland Heights – On Mon., Aug. 4, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Major Crimes Bureau became involved in a kidnap for ransom case. LASD reported that the victim, a 44-year old female, had been forcibly kidnapped in the Rowland Heights area and a ransom demand of $110,000 for her safe return had been made to a family member. The caller indicated that the victim would be harmed or killed if the ransom was not paid.

LASD reported that approximately 25 Detectives initiated an around-the-clock investigation, and through resources, developed several leads which eventually focused on a multi-unit housing complex located in Rowland Heights.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the location and on Wed., Aug. 6, at approximately 9 a.m., the warrant was served. Detectives discovered the victim, who was bound and hidden in a dark, cluttered garage at the location. One of the victim’s captors, suspect Francisco Inacua, 34, who was guarding her at the time of the encounter, was immediately arrested. The victim obviously dazed and traumatized by the ordeal, emerged from the garage in tears, hugging one of detectives that had rescued her.

Quickly following the rescue of the victim and the arrest of Inacua that same day, Detectives arrested Inacua’s sister, suspect Rocio Inacua, 32, and Rocio’s common-law husband, suspect Uziel Figueroa, 32, for their active involvement in the kidnapping of the victim. Ironically, it was Francisco Inacua, (whose wife, suspect Judith Maldonado, 40, had befriended the victim while the two worked together for quite some time at a factory in the City of Industry) that had offered the victim a ride home following work after the victim had missed the bus.

While driving the victim toward her home, suspect Francisco Inacua – who had coordinated the kidnapping with the other suspects – pulled into a restaurant parking lot and exited the vehicle, while suspects Rocio Inacua and Uziel Figueroa kidnapped the victim at gunpoint, forcing her to the floorboard of the vehicle. She was driven to the garage, bound and blindfolded by duct tape, and kept in squalid conditions until her rescue two days later.

Suspect Judith Maldonado was arrested the following day, and all of the suspects have admitted their role in kidnapping the victim. The motive appears to be for financial gain only. The suspects were charged with kidnapping for ransom and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and remain incarcerated in lieu of $2 million bail. All four suspects are residents of Rowland Heights.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Sheriff’s Run Over 300 Miles in Torch Run

STAFF REPORTS

Police-run

(Photo Courtesy: local.nixle.com)

SGV – The Annual Memorial Torch Relay Run was first established in 1976 to honor the memory of the brave and dedicated peace officers in Los Angeles County who sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duties.   This year’s event, marking the 37th memorial relay, was held Fri., May 16 through Sun., May 18, originating at the Sherman Block Sheriff’s Headquarters Building in Monterey Park and ending at the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

 

According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, this run consisted of 58 legs of varying distance in a non-stop journey that covered over 300 miles. Approximately 75 runners started the relay from headquarters and ran four miles to the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station to hand off the torch. This special memorial torch passed each of the mainland’s stations in the three days – including Walnut/Diamond Bar, City of Industry, Temple City and San Dimas – with nearly 2,000 runners participating.

 

As we approach Memorial Day, you can join the Sheriff’s Departments by remembering these fallen heroes who were honored in this year’s Memorial Torch Relay Run:

 

  • Officer Christopher Cortijo, LAPD – End of Watch April 9, 2014
  • Officer Nicholas C. Lee, LAPD – End of Watch March 7, 2014
  • Sgt. Leonard R. Luna, Jr., Hawthorne PD – End of Watch July 8, 2013

 

In addition, historical research has determined that Deputy Adolfo Celis, Constable Anton Harnischfeger, Deputy Constable Anthony B. Couts, Constable John S. Pilcher, Deputy James L. McDermott and Sergeant Raymond C. Willis of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, died in the line of duty between 1883 and 1957. These names will be added to the Memorial Wall.

 

The memorial torch that the runners carry and pass throughout the course is used to light the ceremonial flame that is ignited in tribute of the fallen officers. This year’s ceremony was held on Wed., May 21 at the L.A. County Peace Officers’ Memorial Wall at the STARS (Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services) Center in Whittier.

 

Pomona: Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit Arrested

STAFF REPORTS

midnight-plaid-shirt-bandit

Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Pomona – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has recently issued a news release stating that the suspect responsible for nearly 60 robberies in Southern California cities, including Monterey Park and Pasadena, has been arrested.

 

In a multitude of incidents involving the armed robbery of Gas Stations, Fast Food establishments, and Convenience Stores, the “Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit” has reportedly been associated with crimes from April 2012 through June 2013. Suspect Jermaine D. Shepherd, a 37-year old male, supposedly had a penchant for wearing plaid shirts during the commission of the robberies.

 

The news release stated that in June of 2013, a press conference was held asking the public’s help in identifying the suspect. The public was shown pictures of the suspect from some of the robberies. Since that press conference, the robberies stopped. Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau were able to gain valuable information and evidence regarding the suspect’s identify from a combination of the public’s help, associated law enforcement agencies, and department technology. One of the clues was the unusual gait the suspect had when he walked. The investigation led detectives to Bakersfield where additional information was obtained. On Feb. 11, 2014, detectives presented their case to the District Attorney’s Office where they filed five counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect. On Feb.19, 2014, Major Crimes Bureau personnel responded to Bakersfield and with the assistance of Kern County Sheriff’s Department arrested Shepherd. Search warrants were executed at three locations and evidence was recovered including shirts believed to be worn in the robberies. After the suspect’s arrest, further investigation was completed and the District Attorney filed an additional 26 counts. Shepherd was arraigned and his bail was set at $2.4 million.

 

The Preliminary hearing is set for June 20, 2014, in Pomona Court, and detectives will seek an additional eight counts of Robbery that occurred in Orange County. Detectives are again seeking the public’s assistance with this case. If you have any additional information, call LASD Major Crimes Bureau at (562-946-7893), or email mcbtips@lasd.org . Anonymous calls are welcomed. “If You See Something, Say Something.” Partner with LA Crime Stoppers to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you wish to remain anonymous, call (800) 222-TIPS (8477), text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website at http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

 

Eastvale: Crime Recap 04.29.14

STAFF REPORTS icon.crime.weekly.news

 

The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Eastvale.

On Thurs., April 3, and Sun., April 6, officers assigned to the Eastvale Police Department responded to Chase Bank in reference to an attempted theft of the stand-alone ATM machine. Detectives assumed the investigation and later determined a separate ATM theft in the City of Hemet that occurred on April 11 in the 1800 block of East Florida Avenue was committed by the same suspects. In a collaborative effort between the Eastvale Detectives and the Hemet Police Department, the two suspects were located in Riverside. Due to the more serious crime of grand theft occurring in the Hemet Police Department’s jurisdiction, they assumed the investigation and the suspects were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center for both the attempted thefts in Eastvale and the grand theft in Hemet. Ernest Brandon Causey, a 26-year old resident of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for petty theft. Causey is being held on $167,000 bail. Thomas Carlton Wilson, a 38-year old transient of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and violation of parole. Wilson is currently being held without bail.

On Sat., April 5, at 12:30 a.m., officers assigned to the City of Eastvale responded to the area of Burrage and Rolling Meadows streets regarding the report of gunshots. Upon arrival officers located evidence that indicated someone was possibly shot and injured at that location. Within a few minutes, they received information that an adult female suffering from several gunshot wounds was dropped off in front of a local hospital. Officers discovered the female was shot by her estranged boyfriend, Alfredo Lopez, Jr., a 33-year old resident of Eastvale. After the shooting, Lopez drove the victim to a local hospital, where he dropped her off outside the front door and fled the area in his vehicle. Investigators received information that Lopez was in Los Angeles County and law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California were notified of this incident. At approximately 7:05 a.m., a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted Lopez driving in the City of Hawaiian Gardens. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Lopez’ vehicle, Lopez failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. Lopez’ vehicle became disabled and he stopped in a parking lot near the intersection of Carson St. and Norwalk Blvd. Lopez barricaded himself inside his vehicle and refused to exit for several hours. At approximately 2:45 p.m., Lopez exited his vehicle and was placed under arrest. Lopez was turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and transported back to Riverside County for further investigation. He was later booked into Robert Presley Detention Center for kidnapping and attempted murder.

On Thurs., April 24, at 3:07 a.m., officers from the Eastvale Police Department were investigating a suspicious person call in the 6500 block of Emerald Downs St. At the residence, officers found the rear door was forced open. Inside the residence, officers discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation. Officers from the City of Eastvale Special Enforcement Team responded and obtained a search warrant for the residence. They seized 429 marijuana plants, ten pounds of processed marijuana and packaging material.  Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $6,250 per month in stolen electricity.

On Fri., April 25, at 12:12 A.M., deputies assigned to the City of Eastvale responded to a major injury traffic collision on the west side of the intersection involving a bicycle and a black sedan. The preliminary investigation revealed the black sedan was westbound on Limonite Avenue and collided into a bicyclist, who was southbound on Hamner Avenue in the west crosswalk.  The Eastvale Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) responded to the scene and treated the victim. The victim was transported to a regional hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. This case is still under investigation.

City of Industry: Brutal Arson Death Investigation

STAFF REPORTSicon.crime.weekly.news

City of Industry – Somewhere there are answers to the questions surrounding the heartbreaking events that led to a man, naked, reportedly beaten, bound and set on fire; a man who had the fortitude to somehow crawl up an embankment trail to the 605 freeway.

In a news release issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau and Arson Explosive Detail, an adult male was found on the northbound 605 Freeway, just north of the 60 Freeway at about 1:49 p.m. on Tues, April 15. Multiple motorists called in the incident.

Reports say that detectives believe the victim appears to have come from the wash area below the freeway. His arms and legs were partially bound, and he had severe burns to his face and body. Detectives are looking for evidence of a fire in the vicinity.

The man, who was reportedly in his 30s, has not yet been identified. He succumbed to his injuries on Wed., April 16 at USC Medical Center. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tipsters may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text “TIPLA” plus the tip to 274637, or use the website at http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Los Angeles County: DUI Checkpoints This St. Patrick’s Day

LA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Crime ImageLos Angeles County -– With St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, Glendora Police Chief, Tim Staab, and the ‘Avoid the 100 DUI Task Force’ are reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 269 people were senselessly killed nationwide in crashes involving drunk drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2007 to 2011. Those fatalities were preventable.

The Avoid the 100 Los Angeles County DUI Task Force will be deploying 87 roving DUI patrols this St. Patrick’s Day, as well as 13 DUI checkpoints throughout the county looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. These DUI patrols and checkpoints are in addition to regularly scheduled patrol officers and they will all be looking for the tell-tale signs of an impaired driver behind the wheel.

“When you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, just be smart about it. If you know you’re going to drink, whether with friends at a pub or attending a party, designate a sober driver ahead of time or call a taxi to make sure you get home safely,” said Chief Staab. “There’s never an excuse for driving after drinking.”

According to NHTSA, on average, one person was killed every 53 minutes in a drunken driving crash in the U.S. in 2011.  Most of these crashes involved drunk drivers who had blood alcohol concentrations of .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit of .08.  To prevent these tragedies from occurring, Chief Staab recommends the following steps to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day:

– Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.

– Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

– If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.

– If available, use your community’s sober ride program.

– If you see a drunk driver on the road, report them!  Call 9-1-1. You could save a life.

– And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to safely get where they are going.

The Task Force is funded through a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Avoid DUI Task Force will next deploy operations on Cinco de Mayo.

Industry: Sheriff’s Station Offers “Solutions”

Youth Participating in the Solutions Program

Youth in the Solutions Program implement a community-friendly way of tagging a previously vandalized wall facing an elementary school. (Photo Courtesy: Deputy Jim Bickel)

BY K.P. SANDER

Industry – There are many joys that come along with parenting. Seeing your children grow into productive adults is a source of pride and love. But let’s face it, the world we live in is full of dangers. You just have to watch the news to see violence, hatred, anger and negativity rampant nearly everywhere. As parents, how do you get your children through adolescence amid not just the societal challenges, but the peer pressure of fitting in without succumbing to alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, gangs and perhaps even worse trouble? What if you lose the battle? What if you have run out of ideas to keep your children on the right path?

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Industry Station, offers a special program called “Solutions”; a diversion program in partnership with several Los Angeles County Universities and Colleges to help find solutions and strategies for families struggling with teen conflicts and destructive behaviors.The goal of this program is simple: Success. In their words, “The Solutions program aims to demonstrate to at-risk teens that poor life choices lead to a destructive lifestyle, and there are alternatives to joining gangs, committing crimes and using drugs and alcohol.”

In January of 2012, Deputy Jim Bickel and Sergeant Toni Calton created and launched an education-based program at their LASD Industry Station. After years of referring parents who were seeking help for their teenager’s destructive behavior elsewhere, they found a solution and offered a comprehensive program of parenting at-risk teens to the local community. For ten weeks, parents and their non-compliant teenagers attend simultaneous classes, free of charge.

For the parents, Sergeant Calton teaches, “Parent Project”, a certified, court-approved parenting class, and a component critical to the program’s success. For the teens, Deputy Bickel teaches them how to make better “Life Choices”. The program is assisted with student-mentors from Mt. San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, the University of California at Irvine, Fullerton College, and Rio Hondo College. The college students receive undergraduate credits necessary for graduation, and are made Sheriff’s Department Volunteers (undergoing a full background check to complete the process). The Solutions program provides the internships that give these students real life experience, and they in turn provide the teens with the benefit of their education and knowledge as they work toward a career in related fields. Deputy Bickel says it’s a win/win situation.
When asked what led to the development of Solutions, Deputy Bickel says, “We were tired of turning away families looking for help with their out-of-control teen. Also, our field deputies needed a resource to help cut down on service calls related to domestic problems.” Bickel goes on to say that, “Confronting violence with violence doesn’t work. There are better ways of dealing with these situations, and Solutions works; that’s the main reason I do this.”

It does work. In fact Solutions is showing such success that Pomona courts are now sentencing offenders to the program. The courts have been impressed by what they have seen and some probationary stipulations are requiring enrollment in Solutions. In 2012, the Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County awarded Solutions with the Centurion Award for Excellence in Community Policing.
Since the inception of the Solutions program, five classes have been conducted benefiting 60 families and 50 at-risk teens. The youth who have participated in this program have remained in contact with both their mentors and the deputies. Four of the teens have joined the LASD family and become law enforcement Explorers. The parents have learned techniques to improve relationships with their children, and the fact that structure and rules, along with unconditional love, are essential for success.

If you have or know of a teen that could benefit from this program, you can get more information by contacting Deputy Jim Bickel at (626) 934-3315 or via email at jwbickel@lasd.org. Enrolling in a class could finally be the bridge that leads to an improved relationship with a child who is currently in line for a dismal future. Through Solutions, and fully participating in the behaviors associated with better life choices, a much brighter future is on the horizon.