The following is the monthly update for July 2001.  I encourage you to
continue to visit our Web site at www.lapdonline.org as it is updated and
revised on a daily basis.


35TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHIEF WILLIAM H. PARKER'S ON-DUTY DEATH

On Monday, July 16, 2001, at 1:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department
along with the William H. Parker Foundation will honor the late Chief of
Police, William H. Parker with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Los Angeles
Police Memorial, located on the lawn in front of Parker Center, located at
150 North Los Angeles Street.  Chief Parker's brother, Joseph Parker, will
be among the honored guests in attendance.  The public is encouraged to
attend this event as we pay tribute to this world renowned police
administrator.


NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

National Night Out is an annual activity where law enforcement agencies, in
partnership with the communities they serve, hold events designed to
strengthen that agency's tie with the community.  This year, National Night
Out is scheduled for August 7, 2001.  For the 18th year, the Los Angeles
Police Department will hold numerous activities and events across the City.
 These activities, including cookouts, block parties and station open
houses, are coordinated with Neighborhood Watch groups, Community-Police
Advisory Board members and volunteers.  These events are opportunities for
the police in the area to utilize their strategic linkage and communication
plan to mobilize community resources.  If you are interested in
participating in National Night Out activities in your area, contact your
local Los Angeles Community Police Station.


JULY SAFETY TIPS - THE OFFICE CREEPER

The "Office Creeper" is an individual who enters an office building,
disguised as a fellow office worker or a stranger posing as a repair,
delivery, cleaning or other service personnel.  The purpose of this
information is to assist the business community in reducing the incidence of
theft in the workplace, and to decrease office burglaries committed by the "
Office Creeper."

The "Office Creeper" could be a male or female dressed in a suit and tie or
in the attire that is appropriate for that work environment.  If you see
someone wandering or appearing to be "lost" in your building, ask if you can
help them by asking simple questions such as, "May I help you?" or "Whom are
you here to see?"  If the person has legitimate business in the building, he
or she will appreciate your assistance.  Escort them to the right office, or
to the "house phone" to call their intended contact.  If not, ask the person
to leave the building, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.  If the
person refuses to leave, call the police or building security.  Be prepared
to describe the person when you call the police.  Learn your organization's
safety guidelines and policies.  Review them often.

The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:
* An unfamiliar person going from room to room or office to office;
* A person standing in a hallway for a long period of time;
* A person waiting outside of the building near the time that the building
will be opening or closing; and
* A "Head Popper" is an opportunistic thief or burglar who peers his/her
head quickly into a room or opens a wrong door, pretending to look for a
specific office or person.  Their intention is to deprive the rightful owner
of property (i.e., credit cards, money, car keys, laptop computer, etc.).

Preventing theft is every employee's responsibility. The following tips help
to stop thefts:
* Use keys, electronic access card and codes properly.
* Never share them with anyone;
* Report lost keys;
* Do not place personal identification on key rings;
* Keep personal keys and office keys on separate key rings;
* Never leave office keys, to locked cabinets or closets, in unlocked
drawers or on open hooks;
* If you discover your keys missing, call your office security
representative.  Consider having locks rekeyed and new keys issued if they
do not turn up;
* Keep a chronological key roster of the keys that are currently assigned to
employees; and
*When an employee's assignment changes, have a mechanism in place that will
require them to return all keys or security items that provide access to
your office or business.
* When individuals leave their office(s), most "hide" their purses under
their desks or in unlocked file drawers.  Many men believe that leaving
their wallets in their jacket pockets or briefcases is safe.  That is the
first place an "office creeper" looks and those few seconds can cause you
grief.
* Keep your purse or wallet with you or locked in a secure drawer or
cabinet. Position coat racks away from entrances or exits to minimize
temptation.

There are many more strategies outlined in the LAPD's "Office Creeper Crime
Prevention Circular."  For more information, or to obtain copies of crime
prevention circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit at
(213) 485-3134 or visit our Web site at www.lapdonline.org and open the
"Building Safer Communities" icon.


BERNARD C. PARKS
CHIEF OF POLICE