Greeting from the Los Angeles Police Department. The following is the monthly update for March 2001. I hope you find the information useful. I encourage you to continue to visit our Web site at www.lapdonline.org as it has grown to over 6,000 pages since its inception in 1998 and is constantly being added to and revised. STOP THE VIOLENCE PEACE IN L.A. Because of recent increases in violent crime in the City of Los Angeles (homicides are up 28 percent over the past year), the Department is focusing its efforts reducing these increases, and resuming the downward trend of the past decade. Our number one priority continues to be ensuring public safety and reducing the fear and incidence of crime in the City. To assist in the Department's campaign to stop the violence, I have approached His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Minister Tony Muhammad, the Western Regional Representative of the Nation of Islam for their input and guidance. These two community leaders, along with local media outlets are helping get the positive message out to everyone in the City; "Peace in L.A." LOS ANGELES POLICE CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Preparations are being made for the 30th Annual Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2001, at Rancho Park Golf Course in West Los Angeles. More than just a tournament, this family fun day features LAPD Unit displays and demonstrations. Last year's host was Wayne Gretzky and more than 30 movie, television and sports stars played golf to raise money for the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation. Tickets are available for $4 and are available at all Los Angeles Community Police Stations and at the gates at the day of the event. MARCH SAFETY TIPS VEHICLE ROBBERY OR CARJACKING Vehicle Robbery or carjacking is the taking of a motor vehicle from another using force or fear. Carjacking is by no means a new crime, nor is it sweeping the nation in epidemic proportions. Vehicle owners have been victims of this crime for decades. The term carjacking was coined by the news media. The term has raised fear levels out of proportion with the actual probability of becoming a victim. Realistically, this is a crime of low probability, but potentially high consequences. Crime Prevention Tips: *Always keep your vehicle doors locked. When possible, drive in the lane nearest the center of the road to distance any would-be pedestrian attackers from your vehicle. *Know the area in which you are travelling. Take the time to learn the locations of the police and fire stations and emergency rooms. Avoid shortcuts that take you on dark, isolated street. *If you feel you are being followed by another vehicle, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, hospital emergency room or nearest open business for help. *If you are attacked and the suspect has a weapon and demands your vehicle, COMPLY! There are many more strategies outlined in the "Vehicle Robbery "Carjacking" Prevention Month Circular." For more information, or to obtain copies of the Community Crime Prevention Circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit, Community Relations Section, LAPD, at (213) 485-3134 or visit the official Web site of the LAPD at www.lapdonline.org under the Building Safer Communities icon. BERNARD C. PARKS CHIEF OF POLICE