LAPD Central Division Awards Ceremony Scene for Changing of the Guard
Ed Fuentes
Captain Blake Chow, middle, with the Senior Lead Officers of LAPD's Central Division.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — At LAPD Central Division's annual award ceremony, one captain said hello and another said goodbye.
Yesterday's 2009 Police Recognition Day, sponsored by Central City Police Boosters, was highlighted by a luncheon and award ceremony at the Wilshire Grand. It was there, after the introductions, an invocation by Rabbi Moshe Greenwald, and a thank you from Council District Nine's Jan Perry, that new Central Commanding Captain Blake Chow spoke and made a broad hello to Central Divisions supporters and VIPs.
Captain Jodi Wakefield, now Commanding Officer of the Audit Division, took her turn on stage to offer a personal thanks to Central Division. It was clear that Captain Wakefield will miss her Downtown beat, in charge of a district that includes Skid Row, L.A. Live, South Park, Chinatown, Civic Center, and the Old Bank District.
Awards went to Michael Lorenz for Detective of the Year; Sergeant Peter Foster for Supervisor of the Year and Anthony Suviate for Police Officer of the Year. Civilian Employee of the Year was awarded to Iris Lockett and the Citizen Volunteer of the Year went to Satoru "Sats" Uyeda.
As an aside, Captain Blake Chow is not the only one shifting from Hollenbeck to Central. LAPD Sergent Kris Werner, the former Senior Lead Officer for the Arts District, will be returning to Central division beginning some time next week.
Of course, we at blogdowntown offer our own thank you to Captain Wakefield.
Caryn Ho on February 28, 2009, at 11:19AM – #1
How very nice for all these officers to get recognition. But I'm puzzled with exactly what is going on with LAPD. I moved into SB Main just 2 weeks ago to the day and every night there are drug dealers dealing on the Southwest corner across the street and viewed from my upper story window. I have called the police several times and they never show up. Oh yeah, they showed up once, flashed their light on them, and then immediately drove off. I was later told that something more important came up. I understand prioritizing emergencies but last night was the worse. I called 3 times and after never seeing the police I finally, after 1.5 hours tried to go back to sleep unsuccessfully. There must have been 10 people hanging out and dealing, throwing garbage everywhere, talking loudly and playing music. A regular party. So, I ask you, where is the LAPD in my neighborhood? They must know this goes on nightly and I haven't seen a cop in sight. I'm beginning to wonder about what I've gotten myself into moving here. I know downtown is in transition but this isn't transition, this is regression.
Captain Blake Chow on February 28, 2009, at 02:23PM – #2
Caryn
Thanks for the input. The work we have to do downtown with all the sectors of downtown is very important. There are many issues impacting the area of downtown. The issues you described are serious and important. During the next few weeks you will see a closer operational partnership with the ever important BID's. Our success downtown is directly tied to how well LAPD, the BID's and others can come together to address those problems. And quality of life issues such as drug dealing, trash etc are on my list.
We will also be changing the way our officers work and address problems.
Regarding your issue, I will ensure that we address this in our weekly strategy/deployment meetings, which by the way includes the BID's. You may email me more specifics of times etc to Blake.Chow@lapd.lacity.org so that we can address it. Or you may call my office at 213 972-1289.
I also would like to invite you to help us address the issues that face your area. We have a monthly Community Police Advisory Board meeting. This is your chance to help make a difference in your area. There are also other ways in which you can help us help you. I will be more than happy to discuss that also.
Captain Blake Chow Central Area
Karin Liljegren on February 28, 2009, at 03:08PM – #3
I would like to thank both Caryn and Captain Chow for a fabulous exchange - and precisely why I LOVE blogdowntown! Caryn's complaint was real, sensitive and NOT rude (unlike many common posting I see on other blogs). I am so impressed that the Captain not only reads blogdowntown (a invaluable source for downtown happenings and opinions) but also had a wonderful and proactive response!
Caryn Ho on March 07, 2009, at 10:37AM – #4
Dear Captain Chow:
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my concerns. I was really surprised when I saw your comment and very impressed that you read the blogdowntown.
I welcome the opportunity of working with the LAPD to make downtown a better place to live and work. I will definintely be attending the Community Police Advisory Board Meeting, just as soon as I find out when and where it is.
An update, 2 nights ago "they" were out there again, as they are every night, and I again called the police. I went ahead and was going back to sleep because in the past they hadn't responded when all of a sudden I heard them roll up with about 3 or more cars and confront these criminals. I was so thrilled and watch the activity. Unfortunatly, one suspect casually walked away from the scene and the officers didn't even seem to notice. ?. I don't know what that was about. I quickly got on the phone again and called 911 to let them know. Then a few moments later another suspect ran off and the officers didn't give chase. While I was impressed with the quick response I was puzzled that 2 suspects were able to get away so easily. In my opinion, as I watched from my upper floor apartment, they didn't seem to have them surrounded very well. But I am not a trained police professional and this is just my opinion but I am a little curious about what went wrong. The 2 that got away were the ones holding the drugs apparently because the other 2 remaining were let go. One still continued to stay at the corner for no apparent reason for quite a long time. I did see the police drive by many times throughout the night after that so I am also puzzled why they allowed this person to remain on the corner?
I definitely feel I can be of assistance because I'm becoming familiar with who is who and I think I now know where they live on Main Street. I even saw a car drive by this building the other night, pull up, get out and throw a bag up to an upper floor.
I feel like I'm becoming another Nancy Drew.
Please do not hesitate to call upon me at any time if I may be of service to the LAPD and my community.
Sincerely, Caryn Hofberg SB Main
Captain Blake Chow on March 08, 2009, at 09:14PM – #5
Caryn
The next CPAB meeting is Tues the 17th at 830am. I am not sure of the location yet but if you email me I will give you the specifics. We can discuss your problem in more detail. Yes its not always as easy to catch people as one would think. We do need more detailed information. Hope to see you there.
Blake.Chow@lapd.lacity.org
Blake
Caryn Ho on March 09, 2009, at 10:27AM – #6
I definitely will be there. I will email you for the location. Thank you. Caryn Hofberg - New SB Main Community Advocate
After I learn of the location I will put a posting up in our building so hopefully more people from my building will attend. Hopefully, people from all the buildings attend.
Capt Blake Chow on March 10, 2009, at 02:05PM – #7
The next Cpab meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 17, 830 am at Pico House.
Caryn Ho on March 11, 2009, at 09:40AM – #8
Is this located at 430 No. Main St, 90012? I googled it and it says it's a private residence located near Downey? Someone please advise and post the information. Thanks.
Captain on March 11, 2009, at 01:20PM – #9
Caryn
Its not a private residence and is used for meetings and gatherings. Its right off of main street in El Pueblo.
http://www.losangelesforvisitors.com/attractions/pico-house-hotel.htm
Caryn Ho on March 12, 2009, at 09:08AM – #10
Thanks for clearing that up. I'll be there and I think our Resident Manager is coming as well. She already posted a notice about the meeting in the building so hopefully other tenants will come too. Looking forward to meeting you and your department ub working together for a better downtown.
Oscar on April 03, 2009, at 11:49AM – #11
Caryn Ho and all other residents.
HERE IS HOW ITS DONE:
Even if the police arrests this people, unless there is a current investigation going on OR they have a very large amount of narcotics is very hard to convict them.
Take action, when you see any of the little gangs from your window take pictures or even better; video of them dealing.
It makes a better case if you get several deals trough several days, the changes in clothing will indicate this.
Once you have enough evidence call the local DEA office (213) 621-6700 and ask for an e-mail or address were you can send the pictures so they can make a strong case once they they do the arrest. www.DEA.gov
We can't leave it all in the hands of the LAPD, remember president Kennedy said... well you know what he said...