Van Nuys Cycle Unit and Animal Cruelty Task Force Selected for POALAC Centurion Award
Thin Blue Line
By Sarah McClure
March 2008
The Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County held their annual awards banquet on Wednesday, February 6, at the University of California, Town and Gown Hall. The POALAC Awards Committee selects their nomination based on outstanding achievements made by individual law enforcement personnel and agencies through Los Angeles County. As part of their fourth year presenting awards at their banquet, POALAC awarded two groups from the Los Angeles Police Department: Van Nuys Cycle Unit was selected for Excellence in Field Operations,
Van Nuys Cycle, a 17-member unit, is recognized for having a tremendous effect on the quality of life in their community. Between January 9 and December 5, 2007, the unit made 12 deployments and arrested 217 felony suspects and 1,732 misdemeanor suspects and wrote 2,513 citations. This kind of proactive police work, coupled with professionalism, has helped prevent the criminal element from becoming entrenched in the Van Nuys area.
Free from the barrier of a police vehicle, officers on bicycle patrol take a unique approach to address problems of its community members. Additionally, moving at a slower speed, the officers are able to see before they are seen. They are more approachable and are able to interact with citizens on a direct, one-on-one basis. Last spring, the unit arrested a serial burglar, who was responsible for a crime wave of window-smash burglaries. After observing the suspect around the neighborhood, they determined he was an active gang member on parole for burglary, and uncovered his burglary tools including a slingshot, ball bearings and stolen property.
In crowd-control situations, whether deployed for antiwar protests, immigration rallies or union strikes, the cycle unit’s adeptness to move through pedestrian and vehicle traffic to quickly respond to any crises make them the perfect unit for the job.
The Animal Cruelty Task Force, with a 15-member force, is recognized for their commitment in investigating complaints of various animal cruelty including animal neglect, dogfighting, cockfighting and animal hoarding. Last March, ACTF arrested a 13-year-old teenager after he attempted to flee a dogfight, which he had organized between two neighborhood dogs. The case was presented to the District Attorney, who filed charges against the suspect. Though severely injured, both dogs recovered from their injuries and were adopted. ACTF has been monumental in educating the community and various city entities, including the District Attorney’s Office, the Police Commission and LAPD Gang Intervention Team, about the significance of animal cruelty. The unit also provides invaluable information for investigating animal crimes connected to domestic violence. ACTF’s efforts, commitment and dedication in investigating crimes against animals, along with innovative strategies in identifying abusers, make them a monumental part in decreasing violence in society.
This is the first POALAC award for both groups.