LASDHQ

LASD Search and Rescue Hiking Plan Worksheet 640 640 SIB Staff

LASD Search and Rescue Hiking Plan Worksheet

LASD SEARCH AND RESCUE HIKING PLAN WORKSHEET

Regardless of the weather conditions, it’s important that all Hiking groups in Los Angeles County fill out an LASD Search and Rescue Hiking Plan worksheet as part of their pre-planning. The completed worksheet should then be given to a responsible person who will provide this information to Law Enforcement / Search and Rescue, in the event you do not complete your trip as scheduled.

You can download the form by visiting:
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf

The LASD Sheriff’s Emergency Services Detail (ESD) deputies operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to their tactical operations. All ESD deputies are certified paramedics and rescue divers and are responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, and swift water rescue operations for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They staff the Air-5 Rescue Helicopter, the Ocean Rescue Boat, and accompany the Special Weapons Teams on all operations.The ESD also maintains two Reserve companies assigned to its command. The Medical Company consists of doctors and medical specialists who are available to work with the Air-5 crew on busy weekends and major holidays.

Additionally, augmented alongside the full time crew are Reserve Deputies who are dedicated volunteers from the local community. They come from all walks of life and bring their own unique skills and experiences to the team. These Reserve Deputies are also EMT’s and Mountain Rescue certified and share common bond “So that others may live”.

Authored by:
Deputy James Nagao
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice – First floor
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Angeles National Forest Issues Leases for Regional Emergency Communications System 779 1024 SIB Staff

Angeles National Forest Issues Leases for Regional Emergency Communications System

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST ISSUES LEASES FOR REGIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

ARCADIA, Calif. — An important component in modernizing communications among first responders in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area is underway. On February 7, 2020, Rachel Smith, Angeles National Forest (ANF) Deputy Supervisor, signed the leases for the first five (5) of 13 proposed towers for a new Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systemoperated by the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Authority. This LMR system
will unify local, state, or federal emergency responders’ communications with a single state-of-the-art network.

This follows an Oct. 31, 2019, decision to lease the 13 sites in the Angeles National Forest and now clears the path for
tower construction to begin. The leases are for 30 years of operation and maintenance.

“This will significantly improve communications for first responders in L.A. County,” said Smith. “The signing of the tower leases is a big step towards developing a modern public safety network.”

“The communications towers in the forest will help protect the region’s first responders that are risking their lives to protect the public, and we thank the USFS for these leases.” Scott Edson, Executive Director, Los Angeles Interoperable Communications System.

The 13 project sites, distributed across the Angeles National Forest, are part of a proposed 60-site LMR system across LA County. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing federal funding for the county-wide LMR project.

The Angeles National Forest manages land for a variety of multiple uses, including mountain top communication sites.
Site specific analysis was completed to meet Forest Service requirements for protection of natural resources, and to
ensure that the project follows the ANF Land Management Plan. All 13 sites on National Forest System land were previously designated and managed as communication sites.

For additional information regarding this decision contact: Justin Seastrand, Public Services Staff Officer. For more information regarding the LA-RICS Land Mobile Radio project, contact Wendy Stallworth-Tait, [email protected]

Custody Facilities Computer upgrade 1024 682 SIB Staff

Custody Facilities Computer upgrade

CUSTODY COMPUTER UPGRADE – February 13, 2020, between 0800-1300

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is in the process of an internal system upgrade, which will take place on February 13, 2020, between 0800-1300 hours.  During this time, the Online Inmate Visitation Scheduling and Registration System may be affected and visits may not be available to be scheduled online.  If you have a visit scheduled, please bring a copy of your confirmation email to the facility which the visit was scheduled at.

NOTE:  Prescheduled inmate visits will take priority over walk up visits.  Regular visiting hours and facility visiting rules, with regards to special handles and specified days, will remain in effect.  For additional custody rules and visitation information, click the below link or call (213) 473-6100.  Custody Operations – Los Angeles County Jails

To update your account and schedule your visit now, click here: https://visit.sheriff33.lasd.org/

If you need technical or scheduling assistance, please contact the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at [email protected] or call (213) 680-IVVS (4887) Sunday to Saturday, 7:00am – 2:00pm.

If this is an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related visitation matter for individuals with disabilities, please call (213) 972-2200 for assistance Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm.  For an ADA related visitation matter you can also send an email to [email protected].  (Please identify your request as an ADA Visitation Matter in the body of the email.)

If you are on Probation, Parole, or an Ex-Felon, you will be required to complete a pre-approval form prior to your visit.

court services training 1024 402 SIB Staff

court services training

Court Services, Civil Response Training, 02/12/2020, Irwindale

In our continued efforts to maintain public safety awareness, education and overall law and order, the LASD frequently conducts deputy and supervisory training to enhance our overall proficiency in crowd management, intervention, control and safety techniques.

Today over 500 Court Services Deputies participated in Civil Response training at Irwindale Speedway, in Irwindale.

The purpose of the training is to bring up the skills and abilities of our deputies. In the event that there is a rally, protest or some type of disturbance.  With this training deputies will have the basic skills and be able to intervene and handle a civil disobedience if necessary.

One of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)  primary goals is the protection of the public’s First Amendment rights of free speech and the right to peacefully and lawfully assemble, demonstrate, protest, rally and/or gather to celebrate. LASD also has the responsibility to ensure public safety for all, in the protection of lives and property.

In honor of Women in science day, LASD recognizes the hardworking scientists who help nab criminals 983 469 SIB Staff

In honor of Women in science day, LASD recognizes the hardworking scientists who help nab criminals

IN HONOR OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE DAY, LASD RECOGNIZES THE HARDWORKING SCIENTISTS WHO HELP NAB CRIMINALS

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Scientific Services Bureau operates one of the largest full service crime laboratories in the United States. There are nearly 300 staff members, of which 160 are women, who work to provide forensic science support for all law enforcement agencies within Los Angeles County, with the exception of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Forensic science is any science that can be used in the legal system and crime scene investigation is a combination of science, logic and law.

At the crime scene, all potential evidence is collected by Forensic Identification Specialists. This evidence includes ballistics and firearms, latent prints, trace evidence, biological evidence, footwear and tire track evidence, digital evidence and drug evidence. These are examined and analyzed at the crime lab.

The Latent Print section of the crime lab collects prints at crime scenes, conducts investigations and works with chemical processing. The job also entails report writing and testifying in court. Other careers in the crime scene investigation field include evidence technicians, crime scene analysts and forensic investigators.

Danielle Tiesma, a Forensic Identification Specialist II at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center in Los Angeles, is shown lifting fingerprints from an object using a magnetic brush, magnetic powder and lifting tape.

Antoinette S. Bravo, a Forensic Identification Specialist II also working out of the Herzberg-Davis Center is shown taking photographs of a crime scene and marking evidence using yellow evidence markers.

Thanks to the rapid growth of crime TV shows like “CSI,” the profession of Crime Scene Investigator has been brought into the spotlight. The job probably does not look like what you have seen on the TV shows, but it is an incredibly rewarding and gratifying career in the law enforcement world.

In support of Women in Science, the LASD salutes Forensic Identification Specialist Bravo and Tiesma, for their commitment in the field of science, law enforcement and the pursuit of justice.

** Photo of Danielle Tiesma and Antoinette Bravo Forensic Identification Specialists II


** Latent Print Section / Crime Scene Investigation Photography, 2020.

Minh G. Dinh promoted to Captain 457 572 SIB Staff

Minh G. Dinh promoted to Captain

MINH G. DINH PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN

Minh Dinh is the latest Captain to be promoted under Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s new Captain promotional process.  Captain Dinh, a 33-year veteran of the Department, has been selected to take the helm of the Cerritos Station. 

Captain Dinh graduated from Academy class 239 and spent his first 12 years on the Department as a deputy at Men’s Central Jail (MCJ), Temple Station (TEM), Personnel bureau and Operation Safe Streets before promoting to Detective at COPS Bureau, working on the Asian Crimes Taskforce.

Captain Dinh returned to TEM as a sergeant for five years before promoting to lieutenant and transferring back to MCJ as the Watch Commander.  He also served as a lieutenant at Lakewood Station and Professional Standards Division. 

Captain Dinh has an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Human Resources, and a jurist doctorate from Northwestern California University School of Law.  He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has completed multiple Department leadership courses. 

Captain Dinh has participated in televised Public Safety Announcements promoting child car seat safety, and has appeared on Vietnamese speaking channels to promote general safety awareness.  He was also part of the Department’s security detail for President George W. Bush’s inaugural parade in 2005.

At the age of 14, Captain Dinh came to the United States by himself after spending a year in a Malaysian refugee camp.  He supported himself after graduating high school and decided to join the Department in 1987.  He has been married to retired LASD Lieutenant, Jenny Ha, for 29 years and their adult daughter, Claire, a Fulbright alum, is currently attending Harvard Medical School.  In his free time, Captain Dinh enjoys swimming, reading and bicycling.

The city of Cerritos is located in Southeastern Los Angeles County and has a population of approximately 50,000.  LASD has provided law enforcement services for the city since 1956 and the station is located adjacent to City Hall.  The Department and city government have a strong relationship and are both deeply committed to emphasizing community oriented policing.  

Sheriff Presides over Deputy Academy Class 444 1024 576 SIB Staff

Sheriff Presides over Deputy Academy Class 444

SHERIFF PRESIDES OVER DEPUTY ACADEMY CLASS 444

On Thursday February 6, 2020, a total of the 79 polished recruits lined up at the East Los Angeles College, Ingalls Auditorium, in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates.  After 22 weeks of rigorous academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives just before the ceremony.
 
The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits into sworn peace officers. Sheriff Alex Villanueva presided over the graduation ceremony, and delivered encouraging remarks to the 12 female and 67 male graduates and their guest.
 
Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined on stage by Assistant Sheriff Bruce Chase, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Chief George Mueller, California Department of Insurance; Assistant Chief Ronald Iizuka, Culver City Police Department; Chief Mark Fronterotta, Inglewood Police Department; Chief John Incontro, San Marino Police Department in presenting the 79 graduates with their Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates.  The graduates were then officially sworn in as California Peace Officers
 
In a special segment of the ceremony, Noah A. Oliver, Inglewood Police Department, was named as the class Honor Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period.   Juan Fernando Portillo, LASD, was honored as Academic Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest academic scores.
 
Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department College of the Canyons Training Academy, brings together a collection of unique aspects, qualities and experiences. Academy Class #444 is a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array of cultures found within Los Angeles County.  Of the 79 graduating recruits, 12 were born outside the United States in the countries China, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines and Vietnam; 13 recruits lived abroad in the countries of China, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mexico and Vietnam; and 46 recruits speak a language other than English, including Armenian, Cantonese, Igbo, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

These graduates bring with them a large source of higher education (32), service experience in the armed forces (5), and backgrounds in law enforcement (10), and many come from families with a tradition of serving in law enforcement (17).

Congratulations Academy Class 444!

Sheriff Attends the 26th annual BRAVO awards 1024 768 SIB Staff

Sheriff Attends the 26th annual BRAVO awards

On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Sheriff Villanueva attended the 26th annual BRAVO (Bellflower Recognizes Acts of Valor and Outstanding Service) Awards inside Bellflower City Hall

Detective Saavedra, Deputy Manjra, and volunteer Asad Megally were awarded the “Outstanding Service.” Deputy Parriott and Deputy Saldivar were given the “Valor Award,” and Patricia Bateman was recognized for her Distinguished Service.

Deputy Parriott and Deputy Saldivar were on duty when they heard an emergency call for service of a man not breathing. They rushed to the location and immediately administered CPR on the patient until paramedics arrived.  The man was transported to the local hospital and survived. Due to their fast actions and great judgment saved the man’s life. They received the “Valor Award” and were honored for their heroic efforts.

Deputy Manjra and Detective Saavedra were investigating a series of vehicle burglaries in the Bellflower area. They looked into every tip received and were able to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect, who was selling the stolen auto parts online. The deputies were awarded the “Outstanding Service” for their dedication and honored for their commitment to community safety. 

Patricia Bateman has served as the Telephone Operator since 1995 at the Lakewood Station. She is a valued asset to the station and the community and was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award.”

Asad Megally works at the Lakewood Sheriff’s station as a volunteer.  His volunteer efforts have been appreciated each day and were honored with an “Outstanding Service Award.”

We congratulate all deputies and personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who received these distinguished honors and salute their outstanding work. They inspire all of us to continue our devotion to community outreach and public service.

Seeking Public’s help in locating missing person, Robert Lewis Mercer 783 1024 SIB Staff

Seeking Public’s help in locating missing person, Robert Lewis Mercer

SEEKING PUBLIC’S HELP IN LOCATING MISSING PERSON, ROBERT LEWIS MERCER

LASD Seeking Public’s Help in Locating Critical Missing Person, Robert Lewis Mercer

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Missing Persons Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Robert Mercer, a 34 year-old Hispanic male who was last seen on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 6:54 A.M. He was last seen arriving at Lake Palmdale in the City of Palmdale. Mr. Mercer is possibly suicidal.

A joint search of Lake Palmdale by divers from LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau’s Emergency Services Detail and the Los Angeles County Fire Department was initiated at approximately 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. The water search concluded at approximately 5:00 P.M. Mr. Mercer was not located.

Currently, LASD’s Antelope Valley Search and Rescue team is searching the land surrounding Lake Palmdale along with LASD’s scent dogs. The scent dogs and their handlers will be working throughout the evening in hopes of locating Mr. Mercer.

The joint unified command water search operation for Mr. Mercer will resume tomorrow morning, pending weather conditions.

Mr. Mercer is described as 6’02”, 350 lbs, and has short black hair, brown eyes and a goatee.

Family members have not heard or seen him since and are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Morris at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Authored by:
Eric Ortiz, Deputy
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700

Website: http://www.sheriff33.lasd.org

LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for “Nixle” alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff's Captain and people standing next to building
Lakewood Boy Spots Missing man 830 698 SIB Staff

Lakewood Boy Spots Missing man

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing man During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver and Deputies Reunite him with Family

Today, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel and city of Lakewood officials joined 8 year-old Jaxon and his family to talk about the details surrounding how Jaxon spotted 83 year-old missing person Roger Dunworth during a neighborhood search.

Jaxon was also presented with gifts of appreciation by LASD MET personnel and the city of Lakewood for his help in finding Mr. Dunworth.

City of Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers stated, “One of our dearest held values is neighbors helping neighbors. People stepping up to help their fellow resident here in the city of Lakewood.” Mayor Rogers then thanked Jaxon “for being Lakewood’s newest hero.”

Lakewood Station Captain David Sprengel praised Jaxon and said, “Today we celebrate Jaxon Opdyke, our eight year-old hero from Lakewood,” before presenting Jaxon with the Lakewood Station pin which is just like the one Lakewood deputies wear.

“Look! Down that street,” said Jaxon after spotting a person fitting the description of Mr. Dunworth. Once Jaxon and his family got closer, Jaxon’s grandmother asked, “Hey, are you Roger?” Mr. Dunworth replied, “Yeah, I could sure use a ride!”

Mr. Dunsworth was then brought home safely.

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing Person During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver MET Deputies Reunite with Family

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing Person During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver MET Deputies Reunite with FamilyToday, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel and city of Lakewood officials joined 8 year-old Jaxon and his family to talk about the details surrounding how Jaxon spotted 83 year-old missing person Roger Dunworth during a neighborhood search.Jaxon was also presented with gifts of appreciation by LASD MET personnel and the city of Lakewood for his help in finding Mr. Dunworth.City of Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers stated, “One of our dearest held values is neighbors helping neighbors. People stepping up to help their fellow resident here in the city of Lakewood.” Mayor Rogers then thanked Jaxon “for being Lakewood’s newest hero.”Lakewood Station Captain David Sprengel praised Jaxon and said, “Today we celebrate Jaxon Opdyke, our eight year-old hero from Lakewood,” before presenting Jaxon with the Lakewood Station pin which is just like the one Lakewood deputies wear.“Look! Down that street,” said Jaxon after spotting a person fitting the description of Mr. Dunworth. Once Jaxon and his family got closer, Jaxon’s grandmother asked, “Hey, are you Roger?” Mr. Dunworth replied, “Yeah, I could sure use a ride!”Mr. Dunsworth was then brought home safely.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, February 5, 2020