You can watch the meeting at your convenience, as it was recorded on Zoom:
The panelists discussed the current crime statistics as displayed in this chart (please click/tap on the chart to make it larger):
Panelists Discussed What Stakeholders Can Do To Keep Better Protected
- Be Aware Of Surroundings
- Secure Property (Park Your Vehicle Off The Street And In A Driveway Or Garage)
- If They See A Crime Being Committed Report It
- Participate in a Neighborhood Watch Program
- Protect your catalytic converter by parking in a garage or otherwise identifying and securing it.
LAPD Expressed The Need For More Employees And Resources And Challenged NHNENC To Find At Least Two Stakeholders To Join The Police Academy.
– They Have 170 Volunteers (Goal 200)
Additional Meeting Recap Provided Courtesy of NoHo Neighborhood Council
The 2-hour Town Hall featured Hamed Mohammadi (North Hollywood LAPD Police Captain), Alan Hamilton (Valley Bureau Deputy Chief), William Briggs (LAPD Police Commissioner), Councilmember Paul Krekorian, and Moderator SheRise Ford (President, North Hollywood Northeast NC).
Per SheRise, there were over 70 stakeholders logged into the online Town Hall event.
For the first hour, each of the four representatives made a presentation. For the second hour, SheRise asked six questions for discussion among the group.
William Briggs (LAPD Police Commissioner):
Per Commissioner Briggs, crime exploded in 2021 with smash-and-grab and follow-home robberies. LAPD needs more patrol officers and resources. Asking for +12% LAPD budget increase for next fiscal year.
Hamed Mohammadi (North Hollywood LAPD Police Captain):
Captain Mohammadi presented the latest North Hollywood LAPD crime statistics through 3/19/2022 year-to-date (see attached). In North Hollywood, Property Crime +2.7% year-to-date, Violent Crime +15.3% YTD, and Overall Part I Crime +4.7% YTD.
Alan Hamilton (Valley Bureau Deputy Chief):
Per Deputy Chief Hamilton, North Hollywood LAPD has done a great job addressing violent crime in North Hollywood.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian:
Per Councilmember Krekorian, there has been a dramatic reduction in overall crime during the past 12-years, but people don’t feel safe. The perception of danger is much greater than crime statistics suggest.
QUESTION #1 – With a +12% LAPD operations budget increase requested for next year, what additional LAPD resources are needed?
More officers, equipment, and patrol vehicles. Councilmember Krekorian reminded the panel that the one-time increase in the city’s budget last year was due to state and federal COVID $, which are now depleted.
QUESTION #2 – What is current North Hollywood LAPD average response time for calls for service?
Per Captain Mohammadi, North Hollywood LAPD averages 6-minutes for Code 3 lights-and-siren calls from call to arrival; average 20-minutes for Code 2 emergency calls; average 57-minutes for non-emergency calls.
QUESTION #3 – What is current # of North Hollywood LAPD Patrol Officers?
There are currently -110- North Hollywood LAPD Patrol Officers, which is <15> fewer than full budgeted deployment for funded positions.
QUESTION #4 – How much of LAPD budget is spent for training?
About 3% of LAPD operations budget is spent for training.
QUESTION #5 – How can neighborhood councils help bridge the gap between North Hollywood LAPD and the community (question submitted by Greater Valley Glen NC)?
There are volunteer opportunities available at North Hollywood LAPD including a cadet program for youth. Deputy Chief Hamilton reminds stakeholders to thank North Hollywood LAPD officers for their service to the community.
QUESTION #6 – How can citizens help reduce crime?
Per Captain Mohammadi, remember to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, lock your car, and hide belongings in your car. Neighborhood Watch is important. Also important to report crimes to North Hollywood LAPD and use online crime reporting option, when appropriate.
Some types of non-emergency crimes may be reported to LAPD online such as Theft; Theft From Vehicle; Lost Property; Minor Traffic Collisions; Hit and Run; and Vandalism.
Online Police Reports may be filed in English or Spanish at https://www.lapdonline.org/file-a-police-report/
If this is an emergency or crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.