Greetings from the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department. The following is the monthly update for September 2002. I hope you find the information useful. You are encouraged to continue to visit our Web site at www.lapdonline.org as it has grown to over 10,000 pages since its inception in 1998. MEDAL OF VALOR CEREMONIES On Thursday, September 5, 2002, at 11 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department will present the Medal of Valor Awards, the Department’s highest honor. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 43rd Annual Medal of Valor Awards luncheon at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel located at 404 South Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased by contacting Denise King at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at (213) 580-7585. The cost for this event is $70 per person for Chamber members and $85 for non-members. Additionally, tables of 10 may also be purchased. The Medal of Valor is awarded to officers who have distinguished themselves with acts of bravery or heroism beyond the normal demands of police service. To date, the Department has awarded 498 Medal of Valor awards. The actions of the officers receiving this honor, illustrates the type of situations any Los Angeles Police Officer may face in the day-to-day performance of their duties. DEPARTMENT TO HOST XXIII NORTH AMERICAN POLICE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS The North American Police Soccer Championships (NAPSC) began in 1980 in Vancouver Canada as an effort to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among American and Canadian law enforcement officers within the forum of soccer competition. It has since grown to include teams from throughout the North American continent. Prior host agencies have included Toronto in 2001, St. Louis in 2000, Vancouver in 1999, and Philadelphia in 1998. Each year, the host agency chooses a benefit organization and all funds raised above the cost of the tournament are then contributed. The charitable nature of the tournament provides a worthy goal that transcends simple sporting competition. The Los Angeles Police Department will host the tournament from September 4- 7 at the Balboa Sporting Complex in West Valley Division and has chosen the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as the benefit organization. The public is invited to attend. SEPTEMBER 11 – L.A. REMEMBERS The City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department and other City Departments are planning several events honoring those who were affected by the events of September 2001. A series of related activities are scheduled throughout the day on the first anniversary of the terrorist events. The first event is the “L.A. Remembers” Vehicle Procession consisting of two police cars, a fire truck, an ambulance and an “L.A. Remembers” trailer/billboard. Beginning at 5 a.m., the procession will travel through designated Council Districts, making stops to provide the people of Los Angeles, an opportunity to reflect on the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. A 30-minute memorial service will also be held at 11:30 a.m. on the south lawn of City Hall, culminating with a moment of silence at noon. Immediately following the City Hall event, participants will walk in a procession to the new cathedral, Our Lady of the Angels, for a one-hour interfaith remembrance service. These events are open to all who wish to join us in honoring the heroes of September 11. LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY On Saturday, September 28, 2002, at 11:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department, along with 22 other law enforcement organizations will participate in Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Irwindale Speedway with drag races featuring Chiefs of Police racing against celebrities. Confirmed celebrities include William Baldwin, Daryl Hannah, Willie Gualt, Neal McDonough, Meat Loaf, Esai Morales, Shawn Parr, Kelly Perine, William Lee Scott, Jose Solano, and Alan Thicke. The public is welcome to attend this event with ticket prices of $15 for adults, $5 for children 6 – 12 years, and children under 5 years are admitted free. Proceeds from this event will go to the Painted Turtle Camp, co-founded by Paul Newman, for children suffering from chronic or life threatening illnesses. SEPTEMBER SAFETY TIPS – THEFT IN THE WORKPLACE 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.” An “Office Creeper” is an individual who enters an office building, disguised as a fellow office worker or a stranger posing as a repair, delivery, and cleaning or other service personnel. An “Office Creeper” can 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 information in this circular contains valuable theft prevention tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of crime. If confronted by a thief, follow your organization’s guidelines. Remember that it is usually best to give a thief what he or she wants. Don’t try to be a hero. 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 Crime Prevention Unit at (213) 485-3134 or visit our website at www.lapdonline.org and open the “Crime Prevention Tips” icon. MARTIN H. POMEROY Chief of Police To unsubscribe from this newsletter please click on this link http://listserv.lacity.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=lapd_monthly&A=1