Community Meeting Unveils New Police Strategy

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A meeting called by Burbank Police and community leaders  for the neighborhoods adjacent to George Izay Park presented residents with a new pilot program called the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT).

Burbank Police Department's Community Policing Officer Joshua Kendrick, talks about the Neighborhood Watch Program the Burbank Police Offers to resident during meeting. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Burbank Police Department’s Community Policing Officer Joshua Kendrick, talks about the Neighborhood Watch Program the Burbank Police Offers to resident during meeting. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Residents in the neighborhood are given a ‘single point of contact’ that they may call with problems in the area and not an emergency, but a constant nuisance.

Residents raised concerns over the homeless community that call the park home, as well as the large volume on motor homes that populate the parking lot during the day and then park on nearby streets at night, only to move back around 5:00 am the next morning.

Following the meeting this picture was snapped of a motor home resident, who was seen napping outside his camper. Burbank Police responded and made contact and the person left the area. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Following the meeting this picture was snapped of a motor home resident, who was seen napping outside his camper. Burbank Police responded and made contact and the person left the area. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

If a constant non-emergency problem exists, a resident places a call directly to the officer assigned to that area.  The officer, who is assigned that area as part of his patrol duties, will be able to spend extra time in the problem area, hopefully preventing crime and citing those who break the law.

In the past, complaints came in and were given to the beat cop in the area.  They would come and check out the call and if they found nothing would move on with their patrol and other officers would not know the history when another call is received.

Burbank Police Officer Dustin Rodriguez talks with a concerned neighbor following the meeting. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Burbank Police Officer Dustin Rodriguez talks with a concerned neighbor following the meeting. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

With the new system, statistics in the area will be compiled by a civilian employee and given to the assigned officer so if a pattern is involved, it will be easier to enforce different laws.

This is a pilot program that was introduced to the command staff by Burbank Police Officer Fletcher Stone who had been involved with a slightly similar program in a department he had worked with in the past.  The command staff was not only supportive, but let Stone run this pilot program. If the program becomes successful, it will be rolled out in other patrol districts in the city.

Burbank Police Officer Dustin Rodriguez talks with a operators of the Burbank Historical Society who's building keeps getting vandalized by the homeless and others. (Photo by Ross A. Benson
Burbank Police Officer Dustin Rodriguez talks with a operators of the Burbank Historical Society who’s building keeps getting vandalized by the homeless and others. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

At the meeting, attended by over 50 local residents, were also members of the police command staff, as well as a member of the City Attorney’s office and Burbank Park & Recreation Director Judie Wilke, who were all there to answer residents question and concerns.

 

Burbank Police Officer Scott Moody who is now a one of three officers that are assigned to the departments Mental Evaluation Team (MET) talks to residents on how he's been assigned to help reduce the homeless around Olive Recreation. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Burbank Police Officer Scott Moody who is now a one of three officers that are assigned to the departments Mental Health Evaluation Team (MET) talks to residents on how he’s been assigned to help reduce the homeless around Olive Recreation. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Burbank Police Officer Fletcher Stone answers question about the new pilot program, started around Olive Recreation neighborhood. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
Burbank Police Officer Fletcher Stone answers question about the new pilot program, started around Olive Recreation neighborhood. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

    5 COMMENTS

      • This is a pilot program around the area of George Izay Park. You can call Officer Fletcher Stone at the BPD for more information about expansion at 818 238-3000

      • This is a pilot program around the area of George Izay Park. You can call Officer Fletcher Stone at the BPD for more information about expansion at 818 238-3000

    1. This is typical of selfish people who kick people who are down. A task force to after families on the street. One day one of them could be laid off and find themselves on the street. Burbank is full of these snobs and unprofessional police officers.This is really sad.

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