Yesterday, we told you about recent crime and police response concerns in Hancock Park.  Today we’d like to pass along information about one way neighbors can get more closely involved with LAPD to affect police actions and responses in our area.  The Wilshire Division Community-Police Advisory Board (C-PAB), like other LAPD C-PABs, works to “reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide.”  Each year, new community members are appointed to the local board, and this January, the Wilshire C-PAB elected La Brea-Hancock resident Frank Rosato as its new co-chair.  Rosato is now trying to get more area residents involved, and took the time to answer some questions for the Buzz:
How did you get involved with the Wilshire Division C-PAB?
My wife Tammy and I attended the Community Police Academy about a year and a half ago, which is how we learned about [the C-PAB]. It seemed like a good next step, as we really wanted to get more involved in the community, especially as it relates to crime and safety. We’ve also completed the 10 week CERT training together, and are active members of the La Brea-Hancock Homeowners Association, where we co-chair the Neighborhood Watch / Crime & Safety Committee, and I am a member of the board.
After spending a year attending C-PAB meetings, and getting to know the new Captain (Capt. Anthony Oddo) better since he arrived in December, I decided to get more involved and expressed interest in the co-chair position. We both agreed that the timing was perfect and are looking forward to working together on re-energizing C-PAB and re-connecting with the community.
What kinds of issues does the C-PAB talk about and deal with?
Our mission is is to advise the Area Commanding Officer, working in tandem with the Senior Lead Officers, regarding crime and quality of life issues that affect the community. Additionally, members are responsible for disseminating information received from the department back to the community.
When and where does the group meet?
We meet every third Thursday of the month at the Wilshire Police Station at 4861 W. Venice Blvd. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings and can fill out an application if they’d like to become a member and get more involved. The next Wilshire Division C-PAB meeting will be held on Thursday, May 18 (tomorrow night!), at 7:00 p.m.
How can others get involved?
I would extend an invitation to anyone that is interested to please come to a meeting so they can see for themselves what it’s all about.  If you have any questions, you can reach me at [email protected].
LAPD Wilshire Division C-PAB Meeting
Thursday, May 18, 7:00 p.m.
Wilshire Community Police Station
4861 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Want to get even more involved? Want to be part of what Chief Beck calls the finest example community policing in the Nation?
Join the LAPD Reserve Corps.
For more information visit: http://www.LAPDreserve.com