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Last New Year. Los angeles county sheriff's logo with a badge on the left side. Don't Drink & Drive. Image of a man blowing into a Blood Alcohol meter. There is a view of a car accident at night in the background.
Last New Year – DUI PSA 1024 576 SIB Staff

Last New Year – DUI PSA

You make a choice every day. Make the correct choice; don’t drink & drive!  

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be highly visible and out enforcing the law to protect the community during the New Year’s.  Deputies will be on the road patrolling the areas looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Celebrate the New Year responsibly by calling a friend, calling a taxi or by using a ride share app. 

a couple is shopping online, they are sitting on a couch both using a computer. the camera is looking at the computer and keyboard, the wife is holding the credit card and the husband is navigating on the keyboard.
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips 900 900 SIB Staff

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

This Thanksgiving weekend is the start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday and Cyber Monday provide an opportunity for consumers to find a great deal. In order to help the public have a crime-free shopping season, LASD periodically informs & continues to warn the public through social media about holiday safety

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

  • Neighbors watch out for neighbors! If you will be staying home or traveling, help keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it to your local law enforcement. This makes communities safer.
  • Let someone you trust know when you’re traveling. Have them watch your house and retrieve any newspapers and collect your mail. If you are going to be gone long, contact your United States Postal Service and put your mail on hold.
  • When out shopping, stay vigilant! Park in a well-lit area.
  • Avoid shopping alone! Consider shopping with friends or relatives so everyone looks out for each other.
  • If you are shopping with children, coach them on what to do if they become separated. Make sure they know their first and last name, have contact phone numbers memorized and teach them about 911.
  • Do not leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Lock your vehicle and place all your merchandise in the trunk.
  • If you place packages in your vehicle and plan to go back inside for more shopping, please consider driving away from your current parking spot and park somewhere new, so no one knows what valuable items you just left unattended.
  • Remember where you parked and be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car. Prior to getting into your vehicle take a look inside and around before entering.
  • Be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason. Many thieves will use different methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or merchandise. Consider Instead, volunteering or donating to a charity.
  • Keep a secure hold on your purse. When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep your home safe! Set lights on timers, giving the impression the house is not alone. Make sure to close all blinds and lock all entry points such as windows, sliders, and all your doors.
  • Celebrate responsibly by planning ahead. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.
  • Don’t use a debit card. Many people like using a debit card due to convenience or as a budgeting tool, but debit cards lack the same consumer protections that credit cards do. Should your account be compromised, you can be responsible for a greater share of the loss than if you had used a credit card
  • Be wary of online deals that are too good to be true. Do your research on whoever you are buying from.
  • If an online seller asks you to wire payment, be suspicious. Many times fraudsters will advertise a great deal on a high dollar item, but will only accept a money wire transfer. Once the money is wired to an account, it is very difficult to recover it if later on it turns out you were the victim of fraud.
  • Only do business with vendors who use secure websites.
  • Keep an eye on your credit cards at all times. A common tactic of fraudsters employed by a legitimate company is to take the card you present as payment, swipe it through the legitimate payment system, and then swipe it again through their own collection device. Your credit card information can then be used by the crook for their own purpose or sold to other crooks.
  • Guard your identity the same as you would your pocketbook. Criminals not only want your money, they want your identity. With it, they can use it to get credit and make purchases while sticking you with the bill. Your information is valuable and can be sold to other criminals as well.
  • Be suspicious of people claiming to be from your credit card company who need to “verify” information. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from your credit card company asking you to verify Personally Identifiable Information be careful.
  • The caller could be a scammer who is gathering information that will later on help him steal your identity. If you feel there is some legitimacy to the callers questions, terminate the call and call back the company using a phone number you know is legitimate. You can find these numbers on your credit card statement or the company’s website.
  • Monitor bank statements for suspicious activity. With increased activity during the shopping season, it is easy for a bad guy to slip in a few unauthorized transactions without you knowing it. Monitor bank and credit cards regularly for suspicious transactions and question anything that does not look legitimate regardless of the amount. Most financial companies offer online access to your account and you can monitor transactions in real time.
  • Limit use of free Wi-Fi. Don’t use free wireless networks, such as those in coffee shops, when you shop online. Fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots are too easy to set up and are often disguised to look like legitimate services offered by reputable companies. Bad guys use these fraudulent sights to capture your data or install malware on your device. Waiting until you have a secure connection at home or using data from your own personal cellular plan is a good way to eliminate this type of operation.
  • Stay informed by following the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Headquarters social media pages and your designated patrol station to help keep you up-to-date on crime trends and safety tips.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wishes everyone a safe, productive crime free shopping season.

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Chief Dennis M. Kneer Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Chief Dennis M. Kneer Biography

Chief North Patrol Division Dennis M. Kneer

In 1991, Chief Kneer began his career with LASD. He worked in custody for six years before transferring to East Los Angeles Station as a patrol deputy and then to Lancaster station as a Field Training Officer. He worked as an FTO until 2004 when he promoted to the rank of Detective and remained at Lancaster station as a night detective.

Chief Kneer promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and served at North County Correctional Facility as a watch sergeant and building sergeant, and Palmdale station as a watch sergeant and field sergeant. In 2009, he became an Executive Aide at Custody Division Headquarters and served in that capacity for one year before promoting once again.

When he promoted to lieutenant, Chief Kneer transferred to Mira Loma Detention Center for one year and then returned to Palmdale station, serving as the Watch Commander and Operations Lieutenant.

Chief Kneer returned to Headquarters as an Executive Aide for North Patrol Division, where he remained until his promotion to the rank of Captain in 2016. At that time, he returned once more to Palmdale station.

In 2018, he promoted to the rank of Chief, overseeing North Patrol Division. He was responsible for five patrol stations in the northern region of the County, including Lancaster, Malibu/Lost Hills, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and West Hollywood/Universal Citywalk. He also served briefly as the Sheriff’s Chief of Staff before returning to North Patrol Division.

Throughout his career, Chief Kneer has been involved in such community outreach programs as the Antelope Valley Cares Teen Summit and Community Advisory Committee. He has hosted multiple “Coffee with a Cop” functions and has assisted in the planning of National Night Out events in the city of Palmdale.

Chief Kneer has an associate degree from College of the Canyons, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne and a master’s degree in public administration from National University. He is also a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Executive Development Leadership Program and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute of Police.

Chief Kneer is also a Sertoma Member in Leona Valley, where he resides with his wife and two teenage sons. When he is off duty, he enjoys running, reading, and boating on the Colorado River.

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Division Director Conrad Meredith Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Division Director Conrad Meredith Biography

Division Director Administrative Services Division Conrad Meredith

The highest-ranking civilian member of the Sheriff’s Department, Conrad Meredith has served Los Angeles County for over 35 years, 22 of which have been with LASD.

Meredith came to the Department in 1999 as an Administrative Services Manager III, serving in multiple capacities, including the Budget Services, Special Accounts, and Position Control units of the Financial Programs Bureau. He quickly worked his way to the top of the Bureau, promoting to Assistant Director in 2004 and to Director of Bureau Operations in 2005, which is the civilian equivalent of a sworn Captain.

In 2013, Meredith promoted to the rank of Assistant Division Director of the Administrative Services Division (ASD). In this role, he was the second-in-command overseeing multiple bureaus, including Financial Programs, Fiscal Administration, Contract Law, Personnel, Psychological Services, and the Bureau of Labor Relations and Compliance.

It wasn’t long before his hard work and expertise paid off once again. In 2017, Meredith promoted to his current position as Division Director of ASD, which is equivalent in rank to a sworn Chief. He is the first African American male to hold this title and is currently the highest-ranking civilian member of the Department, in charge of an annual operating budget of roughly $3.5 billion.

Meredith is a native of Southern California, having attended both high school (Loyola High School) and college locally. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California. He’s a member of several professional organizations, including the California State Sheriff’s Association Financial Managers Forum, the Major Cities Chiefs of Police Financial Managers Committee, the L.A. County Administrative Deputies Network, the LA County Employee Benefits Administration Committee, and the Black Peace Officers Association. Active in his community, Meredith is also a former youth athletic coach.

Meredith is married and has two adult children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, outdoor activities, and sports. Commenting on his career and life in general, Meredith believes in the power of positive thinking.

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Chief Laura E. Lecrivain Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Chief Laura E. Lecrivain Biography

Portrait of Chief Lecrivian in uniform

Chief Laura E. Lecrivain has been a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Department) since 1995.  She oversees Countywide Services Division which includes the Community Partnerships, Community Colleges, Parks, and County Services Bureau.  Prior to her promotion to chief, she worked as a commander for Countywide Services Division and Custody Division. 

As a captain, Chief Lecrivain commanded the Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF) where she was responsible for over 800 personnel and the care of 3,000 mentally ill inmates arrested in Los Angeles County (County).  The TTCF is the largest mental health facility in the United States and houses the County’s most severe mental health inmates.  

During her time on the Department, Chief Lecrivain had the privilege of working an array of assignments.  As a deputy, she worked Century Station patrol, detective bureau, and Operation Safe Streets (OSS).  Later, as a sergeant, Chief Lecrivain worked at the Men’s Central Jail, Compton Station, OSS, and Administrative Services Division.  Upon her promotion to lieutenant, Chief Lecrivain worked as a watch commander at Palmdale Station, and later at Compton Station.   

Chief Lecrivain is lifetime resident of Los Angeles County.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management, and a Masters’ Degree in Leadership from the University of Southern California.  In her spare time, Chief Lecrivain enjoys spending time with her family and Dodger baseball.  She also loves reading and enjoys running. 

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Assistant Sheriff Bruce D. Chase Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Assistant Sheriff Bruce D. Chase Biography

Portrait of Assistant Sheriff Brendan Corbett in uniform.

In 1989, Chase graduated from the Academy and began his law enforcement career working in various custody facilities before going to patrol at both Lakewood and Century stations.  He also served at the Narcotics Bureau and at Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).

When he promoted to sergeant in 2005, Chase served at Marina Del Rey station and as part of the Crime Impact Team at the Community Oriented Policing Bureau (COPS) before returning to SEB.  There, he was responsible for oversight of the Special Enforcement, Special Weapons, Canine Services and Emergency Services details.  In 2009, he transferred to the Office of the Sheriff, managing security for the Sheriff.

As a lieutenant, Chase worked in Custody Division on a management taskforce regarding misconduct allegations within the jails.  He also played a significant role in rewriting the Department’s Use of Force policy.  He returned to SEB in 2013 as SWAT commander, overseeing the units responsible for crisis situations, hostage rescues, armed/barricaded suspects and dignitary protection.  He was also the Operations lieutenant before returning to Custody Division as an Executive Aide, responsible for administrative oversight of the Division.

Chase promoted to Captain in 2018, overseeing the Custody Compliance & Sustainability Bureau, devoted to working with federal monitors and civilian oversight entities to ensure compliance with federal court settlement agreements effecting custody facilities. He also managed the newly formed Access to Care Bureau, ensuring adequate medical and mental health treatment for inmates.

In early 2019, Chase promoted to Chief, overseeing Custody Division’s General Population before promoting again to Assistant Sheriff of Custody Operations.  In April of 2021, he became the Assist Sheriff of Patrol Operations, overseeing the Department’s 23 patrol stations.

Chase has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the College of William and Mary and was inducted into the International Collegiate Honor Society.  In the course of his career, he has traveled throughout the country to provide tactical training to various agencies, including military personnel preparing for deployment.  He has received numerous awards and recognition, including Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service awards, and commendations for his efforts in multiple life-threatening situations.

Chase comes from a family with a history of both law enforcement and military service, his father and brothers all having served in various capacities.  He currently resides in the South Bay of Los Angeles with his wife of 22 years and two teenage children.

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Assistant Sheriff Sergio Aloma Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Assistant Sheriff Sergio Aloma Biography

Assistant Sheriff Aloma is wearing a tan long sleeve shirt with a black tie, badge on left side of shirt, sitting in front of a blue background.

A graduate of Academy Class 243 in 1988, Sergio Aloma has been promoted to Assistant Sheriff and is the latest to oversee the Department’s Custody Services Division.  He has served in a variety of roles in his more than 30 year career, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.

As a deputy, he served in custody at the now-closed Sybil Brand Institute, in patrol at West Hollywood Station (WHD) and as a detective and canine handler at Narcotics Bureau.

When he promoted to sergeant, Aloma served at not only Men’s Central Jail, but also WHD and Personnel Bureau as a watch sergeant, field sergeant and watch commander before promoting to lieutenant and transferring to Transit Services Bureau as a watch commander and service area lieutenant.  He would later return to WHD to serve as operations lieutenant being promoted to the rank of Captain in 2017.

As a Captain, Aloma remained at WHD until his promotion to Commander two years later, when he went on to oversee both Men’s Central Jail and the administrative side of Custody Division.

Throughout his career, Aloma has remained active in his communities, both personally and professionally. He has served as a Cross County & Track coach at a local high school, and been involved with fundraising for the Police Unity Tour, helping to honor peace officers killed in the line of duty as well as raise funds for their families.

Aloma served four years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University.  He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He was also part of the Executive Leadership Development Program at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Married with two adult children, Aloma spends his free time with family, and stays active by running, cycling, and competing in the annual Baker to Vegas law enforcement relay race.

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Undersheriff April Tardy Biography 800 170 SIB Staff

Undersheriff April Tardy Biography

Undersheriff Tardy is wearing a tan long sleeve shirt with a black tie, badge on left side of shirt, sitting in front of a blue background.

In 1994, Undersheriff Tardy graduated from the Academy and began her LASD career at the Sybil Brand Institute for Women, where she served as a line deputy and training officer before transferring to Temple Station in 1999. There, Tardy worked patrol as well as special assignments. In 2001, she promoted to a Gang Investigator and transferred to Operation Safe Streets Bureau, at Compton Station (CPT).

In 2006, Tardy promoted to Sergeant and remained at CPT, serving as a field Supervisor, Detective Bureau Sergeant and Operations Sergeant. She promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2011 and transferred to Men’s Central Jail for two years before transferring to Carson Station. There she served as a Watch Commander as well as the Detective Lieutenant and Operations Lieutenant.

In 2015, Tardy transferred to Headquarters as an Executive Aide for Central Patrol Division, where she served for one year until she promoted to Captain of South Los Angeles Station (SLA). She served as the Unit Commander at SLA until her promotion to Commander in January 2019. Almost exactly two years later, Tardy promoted again to the rank of Chief of Central Patrol Division.

Throughout her career, Tardy has been actively involved in the communities she’s served. She has helped to organize a West Athens Peace March to address violence in the community, assisted with the organization of a Community Partnership Group within Central Patrol Division, and helped develop Crisis Intervention Worker protocol for LASD. She has also participated in multiple Walk for Life marches in South Los Angeles, contributed to the E-pal program at an elementary school, and worked with Southwest College to establish the first-ever Internship program, which includes SLA as well as CPT and Century Stations. Undersheriff Tardy has also served on the Commander Management Task Force to address violence within the jails and is responsible for attending recruitment events within Central Patrol Division’s jurisdiction.

Tardy received her bachelor’s degree from California State University- San Bernardino. She has been on the Board of Trustees for the Black Peace Officers Association since 2011 and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has one son who plays basketball for Bethesda Christian University. In her off-duty time, she enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball and volleyball, doing home-improvement projects, mentoring, and doing community service.

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Chief Jack Ewell Bio 800 170 SIB Staff

Chief Jack Ewell Bio

Portrait of Chief Ewell in uniform

On the Department since 1980, Chief Jack Ewell began his career with the Sheriff’s Department as a deputy at Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. After a year in custody, Ewell transferred to the now-closed Firestone station to work as both a patrol deputy and a detective.

In 1985, Ewell began his legacy at Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) when he transferred to their Special Weapons Team, where he would serve until his promotion to sergeant in 1988.

As a sergeant, Ewell served at Lynwood and East Los Angeles stations as a field sergeant and detective bureau sergeant. When he returned to SEB, he worked in various capacities, including Special Weapons Team leader, dive sergeant, and Crew Chief for rescue helicopter, Air 5.

When he promoted to lieutenant in 2009, Ewell served as the operations lieutenant at Aero Bureau and was in charge of overseeing Air 5 operations. Upon his return to SEB in 2010, his various duties included operations lieutenant, Emergency Services Detail lieutenant, and Special Enforcement Detail lieutenant.

When he promoted to the rank of Captain in 2014, Ewell maintained the helm of SEB until his next promotion in 2018. As Commander of Special Operations Division (SOD), Ewell assisted in overseeing not only SEB, but also Emergency Operations, Aero, Metrolink and Transit Services bureaus.

With his promotion to Chief in 2021, Ewell is now in charge of SOD and has the unique distinction of playing a vital role in the security of the upcoming 2022 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic Games, both to be held in and around Los Angeles County. Special Operations Division operates county-wide and Ewell oversees many elite units that have become the gold-standard nationwide for law enforcement, emergency response and specialized tactics.

A graduate of Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Ewell also has several advanced training certificates from the Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (POST).

Throughout his career, Ewell has earned many accolades for his service, including the Department’s Medal of Valor and Gold Valor medal, as well as the Distinguished Service Medal from the Los Angeles Police Commission for his actions in assisting LAPD during the North Hollywood bank robbery. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ewell also received multiple Combat Action ribbons and the Bronze Star for his service and actions while in the military.

Three jack-o-lanterns on a dark background. Dine with a deputy.
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Dine with a Deputy

We understand our normal Coffee with a Cop hours does not work with everyone’s schedules. Therefore, we have created a night time version we are calling Dine with a Deputy!

It will be next Wednesday, October 25th, at the Starbucks located inside Target at 38019 47th Street East, from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

We hope you can come out and join us at this new time, for some coffee, food and good conversations!

See you there!