LASDHQ

Image comparing old motorcycles and modern day ones
#THROWBACKTHURSDAY 400 400 SIB Staff

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

#ThrowbackThursday #LASD 1913: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Motor Team The County of Los Angeles formed its first Motor Team in 1913. Harley-Davidson Motorcycles were used by the County and Sheriff’s Department before BMWs were introduced in the beginning of the 21st century. LASD’s formal Motorcycle Test and Evaluation Program was implemented in 2008.

The test, which is considered to be one of the hardest tests in law enforcement training programs, has become nationally recognized as a major source of information relative to the implementation of a motor officer program. The LASD Motor Unit patch, enriched with history and tradition, displays two aspects of the job. The arrow represents precision and the wheel means motion.

The patches worn by LASD Traffic Investigators show wings on the wheel. The wings symbolize swiftness, speed and danger of this job in other agencies. Motorcycle patrol units were introduced across the country in the early 1900s for the purpose of traffic enforcement.

Today, motorcycle patrol units are capable of diverse assignments and have proven to be beneficial in their ability to easily access traffic scenes on congested roadways. Motorcycle patrol units have also been called upon to conduct traffic safety presentations and are frequently used for dignitary escort and ceremonial duties. They also respond to emergent calls for service in the field. We would like to say a very special thank you to all of our motor deputies for being a constant source of information, protecting us from unsafe drivers, and backing us up in the field. Keep up with the great work partners, and ride safe! “Then” photo credit: LASD Museum.

Woman answering telephone
One Ring Scams 400 400 SIB Staff

One Ring Scams

One Ring Scam warning

Are you one of the many people that have received a late night call from the area listed as Sierra Leone? Don’t be quick to call back, especially if you don’t recognize the name or telephone number. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is warning the public of the “one ring” scam. How this scam works:

• Scammers allegedly target specific area codes in spurts and often call multiple times late at night. They immediately hang up after one or two rings.

• When you call the telephone number back, a cost is paid to the scammer. It is not just the fee, you also can be charged with significant charges per minute for as long as they keep you on the phone. The victim will eventually notice the charges on their bills as “premium” charges.

How to avoid this scam:

• Don’t answer or return any calls from numbers you don’t recognize.

• Check to see if the area code is international.

• If you don’t make international calls, have your local telephone company block outgoing international calls on your line.

• Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.

Blocking specific numbers don’t always work because scammers constantly change telephone numbers, so it is recommended to block international calls or calls from specific regions. Robocalls are becoming a nuisance. Know how to ward off these types of calls, prevent them and avoid being a victim of this potential scam. If you feel that you are a victim of an international phone scam, you can file a complaint with the FTC:https://bit.ly/2JuAhOC

Sheriff's vehicle in front of Washington Crossing Statue in D.C
2019 POLICE UNITY TOUR 400 400 SIB Staff

2019 POLICE UNITY TOUR

2019 POLICE UNITY TOUR

#BearGoesEverywhere this week the Bear followed our 2019 LASD Police Unity Bicycle Tour, Southern California Chapter VII, and rode past the George Washington Crossing Statue located near the Delaware River in the New Jersey / Pennsylvania border area.

The George Washington statue represents the crossing of the Delaware River, which occurred on the night of December 25–26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, which was the first move in a surprise attack organized by George Washington against the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey.

The Police Unity Tour was organized in 1997, in efforts to bring public awareness of law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. The tour started with 18 riders on a bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. 

Riders must be willing to train extensively to prepare for this arduous 3-day, 250 mile ride that begins in Somerset, NJ and ends in Washington D.C.

Until next time, everyone stay safe and look out for the Bear in your city.

Bitcoin image on top of computer code next to hooded figure
Fraud Detectives make Major Bust 300 158 SIB Staff

Fraud Detectives make Major Bust

FRAUD DETECTIVES MAKE MAJOR BUST IN MULTINATIONAL HACKING GROUP LINKED TO CRYPTOCURRENCY

On Thursday May 9, 2019, as a result of a lengthy investigation, Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents, arrested a suspect indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and identity theft charges. Reyad Gafar Abbas, 19, was one of nine individuals indicted as part of a multinational hacking group known as “The Community.” The hacking group used a technique called “SIM Swapping” or “SIM Hijacking” to gain control of their victim’s mobile phone. This allowed the hackers to access the victim’s cryptocurrency wallet or cryptocurrency exchange accounts and steal the victim’s funds. The total known loss in cryptocurrency is valued at approximately $2.4 million.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation was initiated in February of 2018, when a citizen of West Hollywood reported being a victim of a large cryptocurrency theft. Sheriff’s Department cybercrime investigators used advanced investigative techniques both in cyber space and on the streets which subsequently led to the identification of the suspect, Reyad Gafar Abbas of Rochester, New York. Deputies traveled to Rochester, and with the assistance of the New York State Patrol, served a search warrant at Abbas’ residence. Digital evidence was obtained as a result of the warrant which showed communications between Abbas and his co-conspirators regarding potential victims and hacking methods.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered that Abbas was part of a hacker group called “The Community.” Coordination among several state, local and federal law enforcement agencies uncovered the scale of “The Community” criminal scheme and ultimately led to the nine arrests.

As technology advances and citizens gain access to more sophisticated devices such as smart phones, it is important to practice sound cyber security. Use two factor identification on your accounts, make sure your passwords are unique and complex and do not give out your personal information over the phone or via email unless you have verified the legitimacy of the recipient. As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, it is important to report it to your local law enforcement agency if you become a victim.

Hundreds of peace officers holding candle vidual
National Peace Officers Memorial Day 2019 400 400 SIB Staff

National Peace Officers Memorial Day 2019

MAY 15- PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY 2019

In observance of #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay, we honor all peace officers across the United States who made the ultimate sacrifice, and laid down their lives while serving and protecting their communities. We also hold the families of those brave men and women in our hearts for the hardships they have faced after losing a loved one. We at @LASDHQ express our gratitude for the sacrifices made by these families.