PASADENA, CA – Pasadena Chief of Police, Bernard K. Melekian, announced that beginning Monday, December 29th, 2008, the Pasadena Police Department will once again conduct the Parade Watch Program along the Tournament of Roses Parade Route.  Modeled after the successful nationwide Neighborhood Watch Program and in the spirit of continued homeland security, the Pasadena Police Department will be asking for the support and assistance of people camping in motor homes and recreational vehicles in proximity to the Parade Route.  “Essentially, we are asking people who will be right there on the route, to be our eyes and ears.  We are asking them to get involved and report any type of suspicious activity they may see,” says Chief Melekian. “This unique and effective program is based on the model of community involvement and commitment to safety.”
Pasadena Police Department volunteers and employees will be contacting recreational vehicle and motor home owners to individually discuss the concept of the Parade Watch Program.  All vehicles parked within one block of the parade route may be subject to search.
People are asked not to leave vehicles parked unattended overnight within one block of the parade route.  Unattended vehicles may be subject to enforcement under the City’s overnight parking ordinance, which may include towing. 

In appreciation for the compliance of the individuals parked adjacent to the route, Pasadena Police representatives will place a commemorative 2009 Pasadena Police Department, Tournament of Roses decal on the lower left window of the parked vehicle.
The Police Department also asks that people in proximity of the parade route report any suspicious people, activity, vehicles or circumstances by calling (626)  744-4241.  “The cooperation of the public in helping with our security efforts is what will once again make the Tournament of Roses parade a safe and memorable experience for all who come to see it,” says Chief Melekian.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Pasadena Police Will Begin Parade Security Detail

PASADENA, CA - On December 23, 2008 between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. a prostitution sting operation took place along East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena where undercover decoy officers posed as both prostitutes and customers.  This sting focused on male and female participants and the operation resulted in the arrest of fifteen male adults and 1 female adult.

“We are responding to residents’ complaints and concerns about the decrease in the quality of life in the areas and local businesses where this type of activity takes place,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “These types of sting operations are designed to address those complaints and are conducted on a random basis throughout the city.

It is our intention to positively impact the neighborhood with this type of operation.  The message is, if you come to Pasadena to commit an act of prostitution, you will likely get caught and arrested.”

The maximum penalty for this offense is 6 months incarceration, $500 in fines.  In addition the arrestee’s vehicle is impounded and all arrestees are tested for the presence of HIV and must attend AIDS awareness classes.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Prostitution Sting in Pasadena

PASADENA, CA – On Monday, December 22, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. the Pasadena People’s Advisory Committee (PAPAC) will deposit toys at the Pasadena Police Department, 207 N. Garfield Avenue in Pasadena to be distributed to various non-profit agencies Hundreds of toys will be delivered by representatives of PAPAC benefiting area non-profits who will distribute the items to families in need.
PAPAC is a collaborative effort comprised of private citizens, church groups, businesses and organizations concerned with successful policing.  It is an outreach program to residents of Armenian decent, particularly those who are first generation and their children.  “In order for community policing to be successful,” says Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard K. Melekian, “every member of the community must feel they have a vested interest in their police department and their city. This tradition has been established as a way for PAPAC and its constituents to become part of the many community efforts that bring the Christmas spirit to those less fortunate.”

The collected toys and gifts are earmarked for several Pasadena community agencies, including the Pasadena Salvation Army, Huntington Hospital Pediatrics Unit, and the Harambee Center.

For more information regarding the Toy Drive and photo opportunities, contact Givens of the Pasadena Police Department.  For more information on PAPAC and its mission, contact PAPAC President, Hovannes Sarkisian at (626) 792-9597.

To View the PDF version of this Press Release click: Pasadena Area Armenian Groups Celebrate teh Joy of Giving

Pasadena, CA - Investigators from the Pasadena Police Department, Special Investigation Unit cited three store clerks for selling alcohol to minors on December 16, 2008.  The actions were the result of a decoy operation in which minors, under the direct supervision of department investigators, attempt to purchase alcohol from 18 retail licensees in the City of Pasadena.  Three establishments violated the law and made illegal sales. They were; 7-11 Store at 2717 E. Colorado Blvd, Sunshine Liquor at 3360 E. Colorado Blvd, and Super Liquor at 125 E. Orange Grove Blvd.  Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250 and/or 24-32 hours of community service for a 1st violation.  In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business which may include a fine, a suspension or permanent revocation of their license.
The Pasadena Police Department is conducting these compliance checks city-wide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.  Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken-driving fatalities than the general adult population.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s.  When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent.  When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.  In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Minor Decoy Operation

PASADENA – CA, The Pasadena Police Department, in cooperation with The Salvation Army – Pasadena Tabernacle, will host a “By invitation Only” Holiday Reception on  Saturday, December 20, 2008 for approximately 100 qualifying Pasadena area families who were selected to participate in the event.  Food baskets and Christmas gifts from Santa Claus and his elves dressed as police officers will be distributed to the families, which include a total of 250 children ranging in age from 1 to 14.  The festivities begin at 8:00 AM and will continue until 12:00 PM inside the cheerfully decorated lobby of the Pasadena Police Department at 207 North Garfield Avenue. The media is invited for photos and stories while families enjoy light refreshments, holiday music, and treats from Santa and his elves. 

“These families have been identified over the course of the year by officers and others in the community who have been to their homes and identified a need,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “This is a way that we can give to families who may have little or no other resources to celebrate the holiday season. It is our pleasure to open up our home and hearts to them in an effort to brighten up their holidays.” 

This program is made possible through the generous donations of food and toys by the Salvation Army – Pasadena Tabernacle, under the direction of Patrick Riley.

To view the PDF Version of this Press Release click: Pasadena Police Host a “Holiday Wonderland” for Pasadena Families

PASADENA, CA –   The Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard Melekian and Michelle White, President the of the Pasadena Chapter of the ACLU will discuss the pros and cons of having the Pasadena Police Department police middle schools in the City of Pasadena.  “Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of Pasadena Police Department in the Schools,” says Chief Melekian.  “Our priority has always been to establish positive relationships with children and create a safe environment. I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how we’ve done that.”

The show will air on News Rap, with Barry Gordon, Wednesday, December 17th live on Channel 56 and via streaming video at www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com at 9:00 p.m .

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Middle School Policing to be Discussed

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police Detectives arrested four members of a local street gang and charged them with attempted murder.

On November 27, 2008 Francisca Zendejas (female, 26) was shot numerous times in the 700 block of Manzanita Ave. Detectives canvassed the area and received clues as to the suspects’ identification.

Horacio Guttierrez (male, 25 years), Jose Barrera (male, 26 years), Jose Rivera (male, 28) and Hector Ornelas (male, 28), all from Pasadena, were arrested without incident. Charges were filed today with the Office of the District Attorney for Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon and gang allegations. The incident is considered to be gang-related.

The suspects are being held in county jail.

The victim is recovering from her wounds.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Gang Members Arrested in Shooting

The Pasadena Police Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) have conducted a toy drive benefiting pediatric patients at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Methodist Hospital of Arcadia and Citrus Valley Medical Center Queen of the Valley Campus. Gifts will be delivered by Santa Clause and “elves” in green flight suits arriving by helicopter and police cars. 

WHAT:  Santa and officers in green suits delivering toys by helicopters and police cars

WHEN AND WHERE:  December 11th as follows:
 Huntington Memorial Hospital, 100 W California Blvd, Pasadena
News crews can park on Congress accessed from Fair Oaks.  Meet in the Main Lobby no later than 9:45 a.m. The media will be escorted to the roof where the helicopter “sleigh” will land with Santa and crew and then to the pediatric ward.  Contact: Connie Matthews – 626.397.5464

Methodist Hospital of Arcadia – 300 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia
Meet in the Lobby no later than 12:00 p.m.  Santa and crew will arrive by black and white police car.  The media will be escorted to the pediatric ward.
Contact:  Ann Azer – (626) 898-8076

Citrus Valley Medical Center, Queen of the valley Campus – 1115 S Sunset, West Covina
Meet in the Main Lobby no later than 2:45 where Santa’s elves/officers will deliver presents. Contact: Annette Macias: 626.814.2423

Close to $5,000 dollars was raised from contributions made by employees and employee associations of the participating FAST agencies.  “This truly demonstrates the care and compassion of the employees from all of our agencies,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “It is our honor as the hosting and coordinating agency to put this together with the men and women of so many other fine police departments.  But mostly it is our pleasure to bring some joy into the lives of the children at these hospitals who won’t be home for Christmas. “

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Operation Polar Wind Sends Santa to Pediatric Patients at Area Hospitals

PASADENA, CA - The Pasadena Police Department will be conducting a red light enforcement detail on Tuesday, December 9, 2008.  This enforcement detail will be deployed in the City of Pasadena.  The hours of operation will be from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.  The program is an effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal of reducing the number of traffic collisions resulting from speeding, red light, and other hazardous violations.  These programs also educate the public in regards to safer driving habits. 

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To view the PDF Version of this Press Release, click: Pasadena Police Department Aggressive Driver Detail

PASADENA, CA – On Saturday, December 6, the Rose Bowl will be hosting the annual UCLA / USC NCAA Division I football classic.  The game is a sellout, meaning that there will be a lot of fans in a relatively small space.  The Pasadena Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind patrons and fans that behavior that is disruptive to others may result in ejection from the stadium and/or arrest. To that end, the department is taking a zero tolerance policy to drunk and disorderly conduct both inside the stadium and on the grounds surrounding the Rose Bowl.  This includes the areas traditionally dedicated to “tailgate” festivities. “We recognize that there are long time traditions in relation to this well-known cross-town rivalry,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “But our mission is to ensure public safety.  The 100,000 plus or so people who are either at the game inside the stadium or at the tailgate parties in the lot all have an expectation and a right to an experience that is both fun and safe.  This is still a family event and the Pasadena Police Department plans to make sure that is a positive experience for those who are there in the spirit of the game.”¼br>  The Pasadena Police Department will be inside the stadium, on the concourse, patrolling the tailgate and parking areas and will detain, eject and possibly arrest anyone who disrupts the event.  “Our aim is to immediately remove anyone who is causing problems for the majority of fans who are there to enjoy the game,” says the Chief.
 Law enforcement at this event will be a collaborative effort between the Pasadena Police Department, the UCLA Police Department, and the University of California Department of Public Safety.  Anyone experiencing problems with other fans should call the Fan Satisfaction Line at (626) 793-0906, or contact the nearest usher or police officer.  For further information, please contact the Rose Bowl at (626) 577-3101.

To view the PDF Version of this Press Release, click: Game Day Safety Advisory