Police Panel Hears Residents’ Concerns

Valley residents voiced their concerns on issues of public safety at the monthly community meeting of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners at Reseda High School.

During a 90-minute public comment period Tuesday, residents discussed the desire for greater police presence, what they perceived as the Police Department’s lack of response to home alarm systems, a new station in the West Valley, advance notices on future meetings and other concerns.

Police Chief Bernard C. Parks and Byron R. Boeckman, assistant city attorney, joined the five-member police commission in fielding questions from the residents.

A poll of the residents who attended the meeting showed that the most significant policing issue in the community is drug use and sales, said Jackie Mendez, commission executive assistant.

Seventy-five percent of the 42 responses listed drugs as a concern, followed by gang-related activities, at 50%, said Mendez, who compiled the survey.

Before the public comment period, Councilwoman Laura Chick praised the commissioners, who volunteered their efforts to help bridge the Police Department and the community.

“We hear an awful lot about how people want more contact with government, how they want to understand what it is we’re doing and this meeting gives them a voice to be able to weigh in,” said Chick, who also is chairwoman of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 26 at the Police Academy Training Center, 5156 Manchester Ave., Los Angeles.

Another meeting in the Valley has been slated for late summer, Mendez said. Time and location will be announced at a later date, she said.