The Olympic Police Department will host a “Coffee with the Captain” event aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety in LA Koreatown. Scheduled to be held every three months, the inaugural event will commence at 5:30 p.m., November 9, at the Korea Daily office’s basement auditorium (690 Wilshire Pl, LA).
In collaboration with the Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC), the event seeks to bolster community safety by strengthening partnerships and encouraging mutual understanding between the police department and the community.
Attendees will be treated to complimentary coffee and doughnuts and will have the opportunity to participate in an informal Q&A and discussion session with Olympic Police Department Captain Aaron Ponce and Senior Lead Officers (SLOs).
“The public rarely gets the chance to interact with police officers. This event offers a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and discuss the department’s future direction in a relaxed environment,” Captain Ponce commented during his visit to the Korea Daily office to promote the event.
Originating from the Hawthorne Police Department, the “Coffee with the Captain” initiative has proven successful, Captain Ponce noted. “In my 29 years of service, police departments that actively engage with community organizations tend to be the most successful,” he added.
As reported by Captain Ponce, as of October 21, the Olympic Police Department recorded a 5.2 percent reduction in violent crime, a 6.1 percent decline in property crime, and a 5.9 percent drop in overall crime compared to the previous year.
He acknowledged the persistence of certain crimes like break-ins and vehicle thefts, despite the noted improvements in general safety. “There’s a prevalence in the theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, particularly license plates, averaging five to ten incidents weekly,” Ponce revealed. To counter this, steering wheel locks will be distributed for free to event attendees.
Detailing the department’s efforts, Captain Ponce shared, “Since May, our violent crime task force has been diligently working overtime, with one supervisor and a team of four to five officers dedicating an additional 16 hours daily.”
Highlighting the significance of collaboration, he emphasized, “Solid partnerships are crucial for public safety. The police and community ought to consistently cooperate, fostering knowledge and trust in police activities. It is vital for the community to collaborate, supplying the police with essential information.”
Mark Lee, chair of the WCKNC, stated, “Numerous business owners, Korean Americans, and other community members have expressed their desire to engage directly with the police. We intend to organize this event every three months and look forward to collaborating with various community organizations.”
BY SUAH JANG, JUNHAN PARK [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
