Businessman Robbed

About 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 5th, a local business manager was making a money drop outside the Washington Mutual Bank, 60 E. Huntington Dr. The manager was confronted by a suspect who was armed with a handgun. The suspect was described as a male, Hispanic, 20-25 years old, 5-08, short brown hair, medium build, clean shaven. The suspect and a driver made off in a red vehicle with the deposit money.

If you have any information, please call APD Detectives at (626)574-5160.

Budget Approved - Positions Frozen

The SGV Tribune reports that the Arcadia City Council has passed the annual budget for 2008-2009 with an anticipated $200,000.00 surplus. The budget also freezes six Police Officer positions. This is actually one additional position over what the APOA had anticipated. Staffing levels have continued to improve over the last few months with continued recruitment and the recently signed contract.

Interesting Homicide Investigation Poll

Frank Girardot is running an interesting poll on the CrimeScene Blog, posing the question of whether or not small police agencies should handle their own homicide investigations. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will assist in local homicide investigations should an agency request their assistance. APD has fallen on both sides of the fence in prior cases. Such factors as complexity of the investigation, evidence, manpower, other resources are just some examples of what comes into play when making the decision whether or not to ask LASD for assistance. Pros and cons exist on both sides of the coin. Some agencies may have a policy of using LASD as their primary unit for homicides. Others do not and take each investigation on a case by case basis.

Happy Independence Day!

Have a safe and fun 4th of July! Remember that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Arcadia. To report violations, please call APD Dispatch at (626)574-5123. In case of emergencies of injury, dial 9-1-1.

Chantry Flats Closure

The gates to Chantry Flats on Santa Anita Canyon Road will be closed at 5PM on Friday, July 4th. With the fire danger very high the communities along the foothills and the Forest Service will be limiting access to the canyon roads throughout the weekend. The SGVN has an article dedicated to local closures HERE.

Neighborhood Speed Watch & PACE Car Programs

The City of Arcadia Police Department has enacted the Neighborhood Speed Watch Program. The program is designed to involve the citizen in the process of making their neighborhood and community safer. The goal of the Neighborhood Speed Watch Program is to reduce speeding on neighborhood streets and to increase citizen awareness of the risks of speeding to pedestrians and other vehicles. Volunteers from neighborhoods identify speeding problems, monitor them and work toward their resolution in a partnership with the Police Department.

The Police Department loans neighborhood residents a radar unit, for up to one week, free of charge. Resident volunteers will be briefed on what is expected of them, how to use the radar equipment and how to properly collect data. Two people are needed; One to monitor speed, read out license plate numbers and descriptions of the cars, and the second to fill out the paperwork. At no time will these citizens follow, chase down or confront a motorist. The Police Department will then send an advisory letter to the registered owner of vehicles logged in excess of a given safe speed. The letter will explain that their vehicle was observed speeding in the area and we will encourage drivers to drive in a safe and cautious manner.

If a pattern of speeding is established, the Police Department may also employ other means of education and enforcement such as use of a speed radar trailer, message boards, deterrent vehicles and/or aggressive enforcement. Identified problem areas will also be presented to the City Traffic Advisory Committee for review and consideration of alternative engineering methods.

In addition to Speed Watch, we are also introducing the PACE Car Program. The Pace Car Program is an innovative, new, citizen-based effort offered by the Arcadia Police Department that is designed to calm traffic on Arcadia streets. The program is modeled after similar programs that have been successfully implemented in other US cities. By signing the Pace Car Pledge and displaying the Pace Car window/bumper sticker, Arcadia citizens set the pace for safer Arcadia streets.

It is everyone’s responsibility to drive safely, obey all traffic laws and help keep our streets safe. For further information, contact Officer Steve Crawford, APD Traffic Bureau, at (626) 574-5151 or by email, scrawford@ci.arcadia.ca.us.

Tuesday Tip - Get Off the Phone...Today!!!

Today is July 1st. And today is the day that California begins enforcement of the cellular telephone laws. Adult drivers are prohibited from talking on the phone while driving. Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using ANY wireless device. Enforcement will begin TODAY! The laws have been well publicized throughout the State. Take a look at our prior entry for further information on the laws HERE. Please, Get Off the Phone!