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2020

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award 1024 768 SIB Staff

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award

And the award goes to…the Video Production Unit! Nominees chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards included a public service Announcement category, for which the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department “Drive Baked, Get Booked” production was selected the winner for the Los Angeles area. We wish to recognize the following professionals who received the prestigious award, as well as their talented support crew who helped put the production together:

Sergeant Harry Drucker (retired), Producer
Eric King, Producer
Deputy Yury Polissky, Director, Writer
Video Production Specialist Vance Kotrla, Graphic Designer

The things we see in television, movies and commercials are powerful influencers. Broadcasts can be informative, evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, sway us to make purchases, and persuade us to action. Public service announcements present messages through words and scenarios to raise awareness about a variety of topics and compel change, which the “Drive Baked, Get Booked” piece does in less than a minute.

Because of recent changes to regulations for medicinal and adult-use cannabis in California, people may not realize that, although smoking marijuana may be legal for some, driving impaired is illegal and dangerous for everyone. The intent of the video was to improve public awareness and safety regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana, presented in a true-to-life scenario with a hint of dry humor. A driver who is clearly inhibited finds himself face-to-face with a deputy as water rains down on them. The seasoned deputy comments flatly on the wet weather to the sleepy-eyed driver sitting inside of a smoke-filled car. It is only when the driver looks upward through the windshield that the viewer realizes he struck a fire hydrant, which is blasting a waterfall. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEdUCUYWWFU.

This is the third Emmy award received by the Video Production Unit. Their expert crew produced the gripping “Surviving an Active Shooter” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFQ-oxhdFjE and a four-part public safety announcement series on gun safety, “If They’re Not Secured, They’re Not Safe,” which you can watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVfej3WzYgk,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtRFqqEiU4,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-iyCryuM0Q,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxA78dHRp7U.

The Video Production Unit, which falls under the umbrella of Training Bureau, is an in-house video production unit staffed by sworn and professional personnel with experience in the film and television industries. They produce public service announcements, training videos, and livestream ceremonial events, academy graduations and press conferences for the entire Department.

Prepared by:
Deputy Lillian Peck
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Website LASD HQ: http://www.lasd.org

“If You See Something, Say Something”
L.A. Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Text and 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. 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

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons 900 900 SIB Staff

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons

“Hello, there is a warrant issued for your arrest!”

On Friday, July 17th, 2020, one of our deputies from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station was called out to take a “Fraud by False Pretenses” report. See, the victim received a phone call from an unknown person and number indicating he was a “Drug Investigator.” This so called Drug Investigator told the victim she had “warrants for her arrest” and there was fraudulent activity with her social security number which she needed to rectify immediately. Thankfully the victim did not believe him, but the unknown caller then asked her if she would feel more comfortable speaking with someone from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station.

To her dismay, a second person called her and identified himself as the someone from San Dimas Sheriff’s station. This second person told her to do everything the “Drug Investigator” asked of her. The “Drug Investigator” then called her back and requested gift cards from her. Sadly, this victim fell into their trap and bought gift cards totaling over $4,000 to “pay” for the clearing of the warrants and the fraudulent activity associated with her social security number.

After discussing this with others, the victim realized she had fallen for this scam and was out $4,000.00.

Please know the following: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds you that we will never call you about any of the following:

*Monetary requests such as gift cards of any type to pay for “warrants”
*Delivery of such monies via telephone
*COVID relief payments/checks — very common now a days

“Threatening Impersonator Phone calls” are not new but they seem to be more common now especially with COVID related charities.

If you are unsure of who you are speaking with, please ask the caller for their information, hang up and call the specific agency in question. DO NOT GIVE ANY OF YOUR INFORMATION over the phone.

Do your homework and be aware of all the possible scams and those who prey on innocent people!

For more information related to tax scams please visit:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-unveils-dirty-dozen-list-of-tax-scams-for-2020-americans-urged-to-be-vigilant-to-these-threats-during-the-pandemic-and-its-aftermath

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM 468 613 SIB Staff

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM

If you receive a demand for payment by telephone, email, or other means of communication, to be made in any form for any reason, from someone portraying themself as a deputy sheriff or other Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee, do not comply.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel will never ask for payment over the phone or by email.
  
Here are some tips to identify a potential threat-based impersonation scam and how to prevent yourself from falling prey to this scam or similar scams:
 
TACTICS:

  • Scammers conduct social media and Internet reconnaissance on their potential victims.
  • Scammers call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers or from a government agency.
  • Scammers may spoof a law enforcement phone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID.
  • They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
  • They instruct the victims to “resolve” the matter by “posting bail” with gift cards or Bitcoin.
  • Once a victim makes the purchase, the scammer instructs them to read the gift card numbers or bitcoin key over the phone.
  • Once the scammer is satisfied they received the necessary information, the line is disconnected.

 
PREVENTION METHODS:

  • If you are unsure if a call or email is real, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search.  Do not use the contact details provided by the caller or in the message they sent.
  • Do not feel pressured by a threatening caller.  Hang up and verify their story.
  • Never send money, or give bank account, credit card, or personal information to anyone you do not know or trust.
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel or any government agency will never ask for any type of payment over the telephone.  Financial transactions with our agency are handled at patrol stations, courthouses, and custody facilities.

If you believe you were a victim of this type of crime, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. You can find the contact information for your local law enforcement agency at www.lasd.org/stations.

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 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org


LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee 800 170 SIB Staff

Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee

Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau (ICIB) conducted an investigation into an allegation of a department employee engaging in sexual misconduct with a detainee(s) at the Century Regional Detention Facility between August of 2017 and January of 2018.  The allegations occurred under former Sheriff Jim McDonnell’s tenure as Los Angeles County Sheriff. 

Pursuant to this investigation, 29-year-old Roy’ce Bass surrendered to ICIB investigators on July 7, 2020.  Mr. Bass was assigned to the Century Regional Detention Facility as a custody assistant.  He was charged with four counts of Engaging in Sexual Activity with a Detainee, 289.6(h) PC. He was booked at Marina Del Rey Station by ICIB investigators and released after posting a $100,000 bail. His next court date is November 13, 2020.

The Sheriff’s Department finds these allegations deeply troubling. We are committed to transparency and holding our employees fully accountable.

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

stock graphic of handcuffs on a wrist
Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child 600 338 SIB Staff

Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) announces the arrest of Gianni Winters, for Home Invasion Robbery, Burglary, Child Abduction and Child Endangerment and the safe recovery of a seven month old child.

On July 1st, 2020, Major Crimes Bureau – Metro Detail detectives were notified by of a home invasion robbery in the city of Paramount, that resulted in the abduction of a seven month old baby.  Upon contacting the mother of the baby, detectives learned that her ex-boyfriend (Suspect Winters) and biological father of the baby, was recently arrested for domestic violence, but had since been released on a Bond.  Suspect Winters came to her residence and forced his way inside by kicking the door open.  Once inside the residence, Suspect Winters forcibly grabbed the baby from a family member who was holding him.   

The suspect then placed the baby in the rear seat of his vehicle unsecured by any type of car seat or restraint device, and sped off away from the residence.  As the family member went back inside the residence, they noticed money and jewelry missing that had been apparently stolen by Suspect Winters during the encounter.

Lakewood station deputies and MCB Metro Detail detectives determined the baby was possibly in serious physical danger based upon the suspects reported violent actions and recent and past criminal history.  Information was developed that led them to an apartment in the 12200 block of Heritage Springs Drive in the city of Santa Fe Springs.  Believing the baby was inside the apartment, detectives forcibly entered the residence where the suspect was found to be hiding.  Suspect Winters was taken into custody and the baby was safely recovered unharmed and reunited with the mother.  

Suspect Winters was arrested for several felony charges, including child abduction, child endangerment, burglary, and home invasion robbery.  He is being held on $150,000 bail and has a next court date of July 6, 2020 at the Compton Superior Court.  

The baby was examined at the scene by Santa Fe Springs Fire Department paramedics and found to be uninjured.      

If convicted of the criminal charges, Suspect Winters would be facing significant time in state prison. 

The MCB Metro Detail works closely in support of all Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California local and federal law enforcement agencies.  
Forwarded by:  

Deputy James Nagao 
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom   
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  
211 West Temple Street,  
Los Angeles California 90012  
   
Website: http://www.lasd.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 

Identity Theft, Fraud & scams.
Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video 1024 576 SIB Staff

Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video

Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2020 as “Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.”

The importance of acknowledging and recognizing Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse cannot be understated. Throughout the County of Los Angeles, thousands of elder and dependent adults are financially victimized by family members, caretakers, scam artists, and strangers every year. These people who are part of the Greatest Generation is among the most deserving of our protection, care and tradition of service.

In ongoing efforts to protect our Greatest Generation, The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau – Elder Fraud Detail personnel put together a short, educational video for elders, their families, friends, and neighbors to learn what to watch out for and what to do if they know someone who may be a victim of elder abuse.

Victims or informants alleging elder fraud should contact their local sheriff’s station or police agency, or adult protective services agency to report the crime.

Along with this news release is a link to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Public Education video concerning elder abuse.

OTHER PUBLIC REFERENCE MATERIAL:
The Elder Fraud Detail has compiled resources for citizens to reference on this topic:

Project Lifesaver & LA Found
https://lafound.lacounty.gov/
F.A.I.R. Pamphlet (PDF attached)
Adult Protective Services website with online reporting:
https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/adult-protective-services
Federal Trade Commission educational material:
http://www.ftc.gov/PassItOn.com
California Department of Business Oversight:
https://dbo.ca.gov/preventing-and-reporting-elder-financial-abuse/
Or http://www.dbo.ca.gov and search keyword “elder” for additional information
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/recognizing-elder-financial-abuse/
http://www.consumerfinance.gov” www.consumerfinance.gov and search keyword “Elder” for additional information

Multiagency OIS Taskforce 680 380 SIB Staff

Multiagency OIS Taskforce

Multiagency OIS Taskforce

June 25, 2020

A statement from Sheriff Alex Villanueva:

“As a progressive, I am constantly exploring new avenues to move us forward in policing. Recent events have led community based groups to highlight the issue of law enforcement agencies investigating their own shootings. I hear you. Other law enforcement leaders and I met early this week to discuss the creation of a Multiagency Officer Involved Shooting Taskforce. The main goal of this taskforce will be for Los Angeles County agencies to form a joint taskforce of investigators from multiple agencies to conduct investigations for use of force incidents which result in death. I have complete confidence in our homicide detectives, and the other detectives throughout our County, but we want to continue building trust, increasing transparency and making the process more reassuring for our communities. Moving forward, we are forming a steering group with stakeholders from across the county, which also includes the Office of the District Attorney and State Office of the Attorney General. In the coming weeks, we will access the resources needed to develop a definitive plan and make this concept a reality.

The community wants change and we will usher in that change, together.”

If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice.  You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
 County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
Phone: (213) 974-4111
[email protected]

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
[email protected]

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
[email protected]

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
[email protected]

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
[email protected]

Not sure who your Supervisor is?  Click Link to Find Out: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors

Detectives continue their investigation into a deputy-involved 600 338 SIB Staff

Detectives continue their investigation into a deputy-involved

Homicide detectives continue their investigation into a deputy-involved shooting in the uninc Gardena area

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a deputy-involved shooting. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at approximately 5:52 P.M. at the 400 Block of Redondo Beach Blvd, in the unincorporated Gardena area.

Homicide Investigators have learned that deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station observed the suspect in the area of the location. The suspect looked toward the deputies and produced a firearm then proceeded to run south bound between two businesses. A short foot pursuit ensued and at the conclusion, the deputies contacted the suspect and a deputy involved shooting occurred.

The suspect was struck by gunfire in the upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect was described as a Male Hispanic between 18 – 20 years old.

A handgun was recovered at the scene.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

This investigation is in its preliminary stages and there is no additional information available at this time.

Whenever a deputy-involved shooting occurs involving Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, and a person is struck by gunfire, multiple independent investigations immediately begin at the scene. These include separate investigations by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department immediately notifies the Office of the Inspector General who sends a representative to the incident scene and provides independent oversight throughout the investigative process. Once concluded, a preliminary review is conducted by the Critical Incident Review Panel to determine whether any immediate actions are warranted. Every aspect of the shooting is reviewed by the Sheriff’s Executive Force Review Committee. Input from Constitutional Policing Advisors is provided during the process. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, conducts a legal analysis to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed and if the shooting was legally justified.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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

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

Website LASD HQ: http://www.lasd.org
Recruitment LASD: http://www.careers.lasd.org
Follow LASD HQ via Text and Email: http://www.Nixle.com
https://nixle.com/lasd—los-angeles-county-sheriffs-dept-information-bureau-sib/
Twitter: @LASDHQ http://twitter.com/LASDHQ
Twitter: @LASDespanol https://twitter.com/LASDespanol
Facebook LASD HQ http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Instagram LASD Photos: http://instagram.com/LASDHQ
Pinterest LASD Photos: http://pinterest.com/lacountysheriff/
YouTube LASD Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/LACountySheriff/videos?view=0
Alert LA County: Telephone emergency mass notification system
http://www.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Palmdale Deputies rescuing a baby.
Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Baby Rescue 1024 571 SIB Staff

Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Baby Rescue

Palmdale Station Baby Rescue

A Palmdale Sheriff’s Station deputy took swift action at a park recently, when he encountered a desperate mother and her son, who was in physical distress.  On Sunday, May 31, 2020, security camera footage captured the intense moment when two women ran frantically across a supermarket parking lot in the 3000 block of Rancho Vista Boulevard; one of them carried a limp, 11-month-old boy and stopped to administer back blows upon him.  Moments earlier, the women were  participating in a protest at the park, when the baby got sick, stopped breathing and lost consciousness.  They ran toward deputies who were across the street, monitoring the protest, to seek assistance.

Deputy Cameron Kinsey spotted the women coming his way, ran toward them, and met them in the parking lot.  An anxious mother handed her son to the deputy, who immediately recognized something was gravely wrong.  Deputy Kinsey assessed the child, administered a mouth sweep with his finger and dislodged vomit.  Video footage shows clear relief in the posture of everyone encircling when the baby began to breathe again and regained alertness.  Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and transported the toddler to the hospital for treatment.  It was later determined the little one swallowed a coin, which lodged in his throat and blocked the airway.  It was Deputy Kinsey who opened the airway with the mouth sweep procedure and turned the coin sideways, allowing air to pass through.

“None of that other stuff matters,” said Deputy Kinsey about all the other things going on around him at the time, “Just the baby.”

A Palmdale Sheriff's Station deputy took swift action at a park recently, when he encountered a desperate mother and her…

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Lakewood Sheriff's Station
Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot 1024 256 SIB Staff

Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot

Lakewood Station Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at the Scene of a Riot

A group of approximately 500 demonstrators gathered in front of Lakewood City Hall to protest the death of George Floyd on Friday, June 5, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The crowd was peaceful, and at 3:00 p.m., they began to disburse and leave—most left southbound Clark Avenue. After the streets were reopened, Deputies returned to normal operations, answering routine calls for service and patrol.

Approximately thirty minutes later, a group of 100 protesters returned and occupied all lanes of traffic on Clark Avenue, which had been previously reopened. This caused a potential safety hazard for both protesters and vehicular commuter traffic.

Deputies responded, and dispersal orders were given after this gathering was determined to be an Unlawful Assembly. These protesters continued to occupy lanes of traffic and advance toward deputy personnel even after dispersal orders were given.

As this group of protesters approached the station area, deputies continued to give orders instructing this group of protesters to safely exit the street; however, they were much more aggressive and continued to refuse the deputies’ lawful orders. Among this group of protesters, there were approximately three to four agitators directing the group not to follow orders. Several minutes after dispersal orders were given, the group continued to occupy the roadway, causing a continued safety hazard to motorists and other pedestrians in the area.

Deputies on the scene identified the lead agitator of the group and formed an arrest team. Deputies approached the group to disperse them and arrest the primary agitator.

An individual in the group armed himself with a large steel piece of broken brake rotor and threw it directly at the deputies.

Deputies employed less than lethal pepper ball projectiles and launched them at the suspect who had thrown the brake rotor fragment. Pepper ball projectiles were also launched toward others in the group who were seen attempting to arm themselves with objects taken from a protester’s backpack.

Additionally, these pepper ball projectiles were launched against the ground and walls located near agitators as a dispersal tactic.

Smoke was also deployed rather than tear gas. Additionally, deputies advanced on the group to push them away southbound Clarke Avenue and out of the area.

One suspect was arrested and booked for Resisting an Executive Officer (69 PC) and Failure to Disperse at the Scene of a Riot (409 PC).

No Deputies were injured.

Lakewood Station personnel remain committed to our mission of protecting the public and property within the cities we proudly serve.