"Just Ask" - APD Radio Codes & Communication

What are some of the common radio codes used by APD, what types of radios do we use, and what about monitoring other agencies? Like other police agencies in Southern California, APD uses fairly standard "10" and "9" codes, along with other numbers or lingo that are commonly associated with some form of legal code, such as the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, or the Arcadia Municipal Code. Here is a sampling of some of the more commonly used codes at APD;

• 10-97, On scene / 10-98, Completed detail


• 901T, Injury collision


• 902T, Non-Injury collision


• 459, Burglary related call, alarm or investigation


• 211, Robbery related call


• 586, Parking violation


• 415, Disturbance call

HERE is a link to a fairly comprehensive list of different versions of radio codes.

Our patrol units are equipped with 2 Motorola radios each. With the use of two radios, we are able to send and receive on both frequency bands, allowing our Officers to communicate with many different agencies throughout Los Angeles County. This is a huge advantage when involved in mutual aid situations or calls involving multiple jurisdictions. Our handheld radios, also Motorola, are similar to the unit radios but with fewer frequency options.

The use of scanners was phased out some years ago by APD, primarily to allow room for the dual radio installation. With the use of two radios in the units, our Officers are able to monitor outside agencies if they chose to do so. Many of them do indeed monitor agencies that border Arcadia, like Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, or LASD. With this set-up, we can readily communicate with assisting field units and be more quickly informed of events in the area.

Daytime Residential Burglary

Officers responded on an alarm call in the 00 block West Palm Drive at about 1:15 PM today and found that a burglary had just occurred. Witnesses saw two male African Americans run from the residence prior to the arrival of APD. The two suspects were described as being between 20-40 years old with one wearing tan pants, a white t-shirt and a tan coat, the other wearing a white shirt with a blue work type jacket. The suspects were last seen in a dark colored SUV with no plates. Entry was made through a forced side door and the loss was jewelry.

Tuesday Tip - Commercial & Business Security

Don't think that banks and liquor stores have the market cornered on being victimized by robbery and other crimes. Any business, especially one that invites foot traffic is susceptible. And it is not just property crime or robbery that you should think about; consider work place violence and internal issues, as well. Here are some tips to help improve commercial and business security;

• Alarm systems are a must. Protect your property. Businesses are prime targets for burglary of commercial items and cash. Include interior motion or similar devices to help protect against cases of tunneling from adjacent businesses and rooftop entry.
• LOCK UP! All doors, windows and any roof or ladder access, as well.
• Video cameras! A decent quality video system is a huge bonus. Cost of these items has come down and they are more affordable. Overviews, entry doors/hallways, consider placing some just above eye level, as well. Consider an infrared system for night use.
• Security patrols that check locations at different times certainly deter burglary.
• Lock your seldom used entry doors. Many businesses that are open leave a back door unlocked, but not watched. Who else besides the occasional customer can come through that door. Don't be surprised, keep an eye on who is coming and going.
• Lighting! Exterior and interior when the business is closed is a good deterrent.
• Remove cash at night, leaving cash registers open.
• Daytime valuables? Lock your purse or other items of value in a desk. Don't leave them in plain site and invite theft. This goes for cell phones, PDA's, and laptops, too!
• First in or last out? Stay alert, know your surroundings and buddy up if you can.
• List your business with the police. Make sure an up-to-date contact form is completed for your business.
• Change alarm codes or safe combos when terminating employees. Make sure all keys are returned and in your possession. If not, change the locks.
• Start with employee hiring! Who are you entrusting with your shop, goods, and money to? What type of temperament does your new hire have? Do what you can as a background before hiring. Make some phone calls to those references, drive by and door knock their home, talk to them and their family, do an Internet search on the applicant, consider using a background service.
• Don't wait to call the police. Workplace violence is a real topic. If there are threats, high tension fights or arguments, or other events of concern, call the police. Don't wait until violence occurs.
• Query the topic on-line. Here is just one site with many a security tip, Crime Doctor.
• Use tips offered in our previous Residential Burglary Prevention post. Many are applicable to businesses, as well.

Western States Police & Fire Games

The 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games run from June 13-20, 2009. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Athletic Association is the primary sponsor and the host city is the City of Santa Clarita. The APOA is sponsoring several of our members in various events.

Celebrate Flag Day

June 14th is Flag Day. In 1949, President Truman designated this day as National Flag Day. Fly your flag proudly today and on other holidays throughout the year.

Early Morning Robbery

Yesterday morning at about 5:00 AM, a man who works at the Santa Anita Race Track was walking near Gate 5, Huntington Drive/Colorado Place, when a male suspect ripped the victim's backpack from his person. The victim and suspect struggled over the backpack and at some point, one of the victim's fingers was lacerated. The suspect made off with the backpack and other loss to include about $20. The suspect was only described as being possibly Hispanic, about 30-40 years old, wering a white t-shirt. The victim was later treated at a local hospital for his injuries.

Commercial Burglar Detained

Early Tuesday morning, at about 2:30 AM, Officers were called to the rear of Walgreen's in the 100 block of East Live Oak due to suspicious noises. Officers arrived to find a 21 year old Temple City man near the business dumpster, along with his vehicle which was still running nearby. Officers found the man to be in possession of a "pellet" handgun and evidence possibly linking the man to a commercial burglary at a business in El Monte. It appears that the noise heard was the man attempting to open a cash drawer against the dumpster. El Monte PD responded and took custody of the subject and the evidence.