PSC - Minutes - 04-25-24MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 25, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Rosemead Public Safety Commission was called to order by Chair
Amy Wu at 7:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Commissioners Fonseca, Foutz, Garcia, Kuang, Martinez, and Ta
ABSENT: No Commissioners were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: was led by Commissioner Martinez
INVOCATION: was led by Vice -Chair Foutz
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Chair Wu opened the Public Comment period.
No Public Comments were received. Chair Wu closed the Public Comment period.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Commissioner Garcia made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 28th, 2024,
Public Safety Commission Meeting, and was seconded by Commissioner Fonseca.
Motion carried by the following vote: YES: 7-0
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Introduction of the New Assistant City Manager, Richard Rojas
City Manager Ben Kim presented the new Assistant City Manager, Richard Rojas.
Assistant City Manager Rojas comes to the City of Rosemead from the City of
Norwalk, where he was Deputy City Manager for four years. Previously, he was
the Community Director before becoming Deputy City Manager. He brings vast
experiences in homelessness, budgeting, economic development, and much more.
Assistant City Manager Rojas thanked City Manager Kim and stated that he
looked forward to working with the commission.
B. LACoFD Fire and EMS Incidents Report (March 2024)
No representatives were present. Commissioner Ta and Chair Wu inquired about
how the data is calculated in the EMS and Fire Incident Reports. Assistant City
Manager Rojas stated that he would follow up with the Fire Chief and Fire
Department. This item was Received and Filed by the Commission.
C. Crime Statistics (March 2024)
A summary of the crime statistics from March 2024 was provided by Police Chief
Tiwari. As mentioned in previous months, thefts have gone up significantly,
largely because of increased organized retail theft enforcement. Chief Tiwari
reported that aggravated assaults have gone down and are mostly related to
domestic violence incidents. Burglaries and robberies were lower than in March.
Arson cases were typically isolated incidents. Grand theft auto crimes have gone
up, as mentioned in previous meetings. The City of Rosemead has received an
allocation of 30 club devices for Kia and Hyundai owners only. Lt. Tiwari
indicates that Kia and Hyundai thefts are crimes of opportunity, where the stolen
vehicles are used for other crimes then recovered at a high rate. The Police
Department is using bait operations and is waiting for two undercover vehicles,
donated by City Manager Kim on behalf of the city. The police's goal is to deploy
these vehicles, with bait packages inside them, by apartment buildings in bait
operations.
A news video from KTLA 5 was shown, showcasing the Rosemead Task Force,
which includes Rosemead Special Assignment deputies, deputies from the Major
Crimes Bureau, and undercover detectives. The Rosemead Task Force was seen in
operations in Walmart and Target simultaneously. Lt. Tiwari mentioned that one
of the deputies in the video came to shadow the Rosemead Task Force from San
Dimas, and said Rosemead is a model they are trying to emulate in other cities.
The Police Department has conducted check -ins on retail stores on a reoccurring
basis and created a direct link between store general managers and deputies
assigned to the Special Assignment Team. Lt. Tiwari explained that thefts under
$950 only receive a citation, while thefts over $950 are considered felonies.
Under the Zero Bill Directive, those that commit thefts get booked at the station,
then released after receiving a citation. Many of those committing thefts are
potentially repeat offenders. Due to Prop 47, repeated thefts under $950 are
considered separate offenses and are not combinable. Regardless of what the
District Attorney's Office chooses to prosecute, the Rosemead Police Department
is spending time and resources to present these cases.
Commissioner Kuang asked what the community can do to mitigate the effects of
repeated thefts. Chief Tiwari stated that the Police Department is working closely
with various businesses on preventative measures. The Police Department is
collaborating with Public Safety and Community Development on an educational
campaign that reduces cash stored in businesses overnight. In addition, they are
working with City Manager Kim on preventative measures for vehicle thefts.
Currently, a reserve deputy is on duty at night on Saturdays to patrol businesses
and restaurants. The reserve deputy's presence has resulted in a major decrease in
vehicle thefts, and prevention, notjust prosecution, is a continued goal.
Commissioner Ta inquired if the police are following up with the Department of
Justice regarding misdemeanor crimes. Lt. Tiwari indicated that his department
receives a percentage of District Attorney rejections. They will follow up on the
statistics of what percentage of crimes are District Attorney rejections.
Additionally, Commissioner Ta inquired if these crimes would show in a
background check. Chief Tiwari explained that when booked at the station, an
individual is finger -printed, which means a background check would show that a
person was arrested.
Commissioner Martinez asked if larger companies are employing techniques to
prevent crime. Chief Tiwari explained that many companies utilize loss
prevention agents and undercover agents on the floor, but ultimately, it depends
on the individual company policy.
Assistant City Manager Rojas commented that at a previous Council meeting,
Council took action to endorse a statewide ballot initiative called the
Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, intended to address the
constraints limiting prosecution to misdemeanor class instead of felony class. If
approved by voters, this act would allow a cumulative approach with repeat
offenders, allowing the misdemeanors to be classified as felony charges and
impose harsher penalties. It was reported that based on news reports, the initiative
will qualify for the November ballot.
This item was Received and Filed by the Commission.
D. Rosemead SAO Team Weekly Reports (March 2024)
This item was Received and Filed by the Commission.
E. L.A. CADA Supplemental Services Report (March 2024)
City Manager Ben Kim presented a summary of the L.A. CADA report. He noted
that the organization is active in all areas of Rosemead, and that they operate not
in a single area, but where they see the most activity. Recently, more frequent
homeless activity around Rosemead City facilities has occurred; staff are trying to
pinpoint the cause. Commissioner Garcia inquired if L.A. CADA is active during
the day and night. City Manager Kim responded that they work from morning to
late afternoon on Mondays to Fridays. Commissioner Garcia asked if it was
possible for L.A. CADA to offer services to the homeless once a month during the
night. The City Manager informed the Commission that Code Enforcement
officers are active during nighttime hours and 7 days a week. He stated that he
could contact the nighttime team to make engagements with the homeless. Using
Measure H funds, the Council of Governments has contracted with L.A. CADA.
The City of Rosemead is provided with one day of free service on Wednesdays.
Commissioner Kuang asked if homeless individuals have access to free food. The
City Manager stated that L.A. CADA connects staff with various resources
including food services. In addition, the City provides funding to food banks.
This item was Received and Filed by the Commission.
F. Crime Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Activities
Public Safety Supervisor Mandy Wong provided a summary of crime prevention
and emergency preparedness activities. She encouraged residents to file reports
and problems through the City app, or to call or email the Public Safety
Department. She also provided an update on the Crime Prevention Community
Academy. The goal of these classes is to help residents understand how law
enforcement serves the community. Those in the Community Academy will
graduate on May 22nd. Additionally, the Community Area Watch will take place
May 161h at Garvey Park.
This item was Received and Filed by the Commission.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Ta inquired about graffiti services available to the community. City
Manager Kim remarked that the Graffiti Hotline can now remove graffiti on
private property. Property owners must contact the Graffiti Hotline and sign a
waiver that will give the City authorization to enter private property.
Chair Wu asked about what the community can do in terms of reporting
trespassing activity that has already passed. Chief Tiwari responded that residents
could make a report through the City app. The app will provide the individual
with updates on their report and tracking. Commissioner Foutz commented that
one of the benefits of tracking through the app is that it documents criminal
activity and creates a record.
Commissioner Foutz followed up regarding curfews in the parks. Lt. Tiwari stated
that the curfew signage has been posted and deputies are now enforcing it.
Commissioner Garcia requested that representatives from L.A. CADA come to
speak at a future meeting. In addition, she requested that park rangers come to
speak with the commission about their insights.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. The next Public Safety Commission meeting
will be held on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
APPROVED:
Richard Rojas, Assi t City Manager
Amy Wu, Chair