by Laura Berthold Monteros
The Altadena Sheriff’s Station held a town hall Thursday night, March 24, at Jackson Elementary School, where its community panel unveiled eight recommendations to improve relations with the community.
The Altadena Sheriff’s Station held a town hall Thursday night, March 24, at Jackson Elementary School, where its community panel unveiled eight recommendations to improve relations with the community.
Pictured: Dr. Bernardean Broadous outlines the plan.
The eight recommendations are
The eight recommendations are- Conduct a community survey
- Develop mentorships with children and adults
- Create training opportunities
- Improve communication
- Expand the Altadena Station Clergy Council
- More involvement of the Sheriff’s Station in community events
- Create social media sites
- Create more opportunities for community interaction with deputies
The recommendations come after a contentious town hall meeting last November, where the deputies faced criticism for lack of communication and community involvement. In response, Capt. Steven McLean created a committee made up of community members to address the issues and come up with a plan to improve the relationship between the Altadena community and law enforcement.
The committee met frequently over several weeks to discuss the issues and questions raised at the November meeting, gather more information from the community, and distill the findings into eight recommendations that were presented Thursday night.
Dr. Bernardean Broadous, a professor in the Pan African Studies department at California State University, Northridge, moderated the discussion. She underscored that the recommendations are still a work in progress. Members of the committee spoke to each point.
“Hopefully, what we present tonight will help with communication,” Broadous said. “It was enlightening to me as well.”
The committee met frequently over several weeks to discuss the issues and questions raised at the November meeting, gather more information from the community, and distill the findings into eight recommendations that were presented Thursday night.
Dr. Bernardean Broadous, a professor in the Pan African Studies department at California State University, Northridge, moderated the discussion. She underscored that the recommendations are still a work in progress. Members of the committee spoke to each point.
“Hopefully, what we present tonight will help with communication,” Broadous said. “It was enlightening to me as well.”
1. Conduct a community survey
Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, Operations Lieutenant at the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, said that the Altadena station will receive training in the COPPS—Community Oriented Police and Problem-solving—program. The training process begins with a survey of the community. As soon as the station gets a start date from COPPS, they will send out information.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Lt. Johnson, (626) 296-2102
2. Develop mentorships with children and adults
Dr. Sandra Thomas of the Altadena Town Council said that some mentorship programs already in place will be expanded and new ones started.
The Youth Activities League (YAL) will continue to be a focal point in working with children, but it will expand beyond Eliot Middle School.
“Coffee with the Captain,” an informal way to meet Capt. Steven McLean and his deputies, will take place every trimester. Thomas said first one, held at Perry’s Joint, was “extremely successful.”
VIDA, Vital Interview and Directional Alternatives, which has been operating at Loma Alta Elementary with 22 students, will continue. VIDA, a 16-week program geared toward at-risk children between the ages of 11 and 17 ½, teaches structure and decision-making skills.
When asked if VIDA would help young people get jobs, Thomas responded, “VIDA is not about jobs. It’s to encourage at-risk children to get on track.” She added that Neighbors Empowering Youth (NEY) and the sheriff’s station are partnering in training that will lead to jobs. NEY teaches students to work on bicycles, she noted, and other panelists added that NEY also does robotics and computer repair.
“VIDA is an opportunity to keep kids out of jail,” Capt. McLean said. I don’t believe the philosophy that every kid who commits a crime is a criminal. A judge sends a kid to a 16-week program and the crime goes away.”
Panelist Gary Moody agreed that jobs are very important. “We have the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, don’t we? How many businesses are associated with it? How many employees do they have?” He also noted that JPL and Caltech have academic programs for students as young as 14 with a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA depending on the program.
Capt. McLean would like to have a Teen Town Hall. “I believe personally, it’s important to put your money where your mouth is,” he said. Get involved with youth.” He cited NEY, Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), a mentoring program at John Muir, and YAL.
He and Lt. Joe Dempsey recently worked a dance to get to know the students. “Anything we can do to get into the schools, to help kids,” he said.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Scott Wengert, (626) 798-1131
3. Create training opportunitiesPictured: Capt. McLean on left, and Lt. Johnson
Deputy Lamark Williams, Community Relations, reported that a “Community Academy” will provide community members with the opportunity to view police work from viewpoint of those in uniform and to better understand how the department works.
Part of the training takes place in the mobile simulated training unit “Live Fire,” which puts participants in the role of a deputy in a shooting situation. The participant interacts with suspects and simulated handguns.
“Participants realize how intense and complex these situations are,” said Williams, and how difficult it is to make the decision whether to shoot or not. Miranda rights and search and seizure methods are also presented, and there are tours of jails and the communications center. The next class will start in August.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Williams or Dep. Michael Randenberg, (626) 798-1131
4. Improve communication
Committee member Gary Moody said that there are expectations for the captain and expectations for the community when it comes to improving communication between residents and law enforcement.
“There’s an expectation of common courtesy,” he said. “It goes both ways. The department will make every effort to get out into the community.” He said that Capt. McLean has attended numerous Neighborhood Watch meetings and will meet with anyone. “You got his number, give him a call.”
There is also an expectation of respect for law enforcement personnel. Young people need to realize that a situation can be blown out of proportion and become deadly, Moody said. When it comes to interaction between deputies and community members, there are “successful encounters or consequences,” Moody stated.
Understanding and utilizing the citizen complaint process is part of improving communication. “We have to make sure our minds are open as well,” Moody stated, sharing personal incidents in which he got one story from a family member and another from the deputies.
Those with complaints can call the station and ask to speak to the watch commander or call the internal affairs bureau. It’s important to go through the steps of the complaint process and if necessary, the appeal process.
“I’ve done that a number of times and I’ve gotten results,” he said. “If you don’t know what the process is, take time to find out.”
5. Expand the Altadena Station Clergy Council
The importance to the community of the clergy council was evident in the meeting being opened and closed in prayer. Rev. Barry Faison, vice president of the Altadena Station Clergy Council, said that the 10-member station council started in 2001 and has plans to increase the size.
The clergy are expected to assist the department when requested, to learn the stressors of the job, and to serve as a resource and counselors. Participating clergy go through an eight-week training and wear special shirts and jackets to identify themselves. They council is open to clergy in both Pasadena and Altadena.
During the Q & A, NAACP President Joe Brown asked if the council was open to all faiths, including Muslims. Lt. Johnson responded, “The members are very diverse. I developed a list of all the churches in Altadena. My goal is to reach out to all of the pastors and all of the churches in Altadena.”
Sheriff’s Station contact: Lt. Johnson, (626) 296-2102
6. More involvement of the Sheriff’s Station in community events
Phyllis Harris, consultant and attorney and an NAACP member, said that the deputies are beginning to get more involved in the goings-on in Altadena. A deputy and deputy explorer—a young person who is trained in non-hazardous law enforcement activities—rode in the Black History Parade in February. Capt. McLean also rode in the parade. The Altadena Station purchased a booth in the post-parade area and provided handouts and answers to questions.
“I commend them for that,” she said, and added that the involvement should include the Latino community as well.
The Deputy Explorer program is another way for community/sheriff interaction, and the station is seeking to get more youth involved. Both Capt McLean and his second-in-command, Lt. Johnson, have spoken to churches to recruit young people aged 14 to 20 ½ into the program.
Youth must have at least a 2.0 GPA to participate in the rigorous 18-week academy. They ride on patrol with deputies, participate in color guard, and help at community events. A considerable number go on to become deputies, Harris said.
She also urged both parents and non-parents to get involved with the children in the community.
Broadus agreed. She volunteers at John Muir High School because at CSUN, she sees intelligent, capable young people who are not prepared for college-level academics. “They aren’t prepared for college, or they don’t get there,” she said.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Scott Wengert, (626) 798-1131
7. Create social media sites
But not without the permission of headquarters! Brent Musson, an Altadena homeowner, reported that the community relations department of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station did open a Facebook account. It was up about a week and got traffic immediately.
However, it had evidently been done without checking with the big boys: The department of media relations at the Sheriff’s Department headquarters ordered it suspended until they can look at it. “It will be back up,” Musson said emphatically. “It’s the first toes in the water, so to speak, when it comes to social media, but it won’t be the last.”
Another medium the station is using is video. Jacques Bolton, actor and executive director of MPYD, developed a script for a video “What to Do When Contacted by Law Enforcement.”
“Every time a deputy interacts with the public, it’s a safety issue for the deputy,” Musson said. The video will focus on two aspects of law enforcement interaction with community members. It teaches youth about police protocols and safety, so they know how to cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and it educates them about how their dress and actions on the street appear.
8. Create more opportunities for community interaction with deputies
Lt. Johnson talked about the efforts the station is making to get out into the community. The majority of people in the community don’t know their deputies, he said. Foot patrols by deputies and more Neighborhood Watch groups are two ways for deputies and residents to get to know each other.
Capt. McLean began rearranging deputy schedules in February so they can do foot patrol and meet local business owners. “It’s not something new, it’s done in most metropolitan areas,” Johnson said.
Neighborhood Watch is a way for neighbors to meet each other as well as their deputies. The station’s community relations staff has been directed to develop new Neighborhood Watch groups and enhance existing ones.
“I’m happy to say, just look at altadenablog—it posts the groups on a map,” Johnson said. “The goal is to expand that and have Neighborhood Watch in every corner.”
Little League is another opportunity to reach the community. The station partners with Altadena Little League and did a bowling night fundraiser that made $4,000. The deputies didn’t fare so well in a challenge game against the 12- and 13-year-olds, though, who beat the deputies “fair and square,” said Johnson.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Williams or Dep. Michael Randenberg, (626) 798-1131
The members of the committee are Dr. Bernardean Broadous, professor at California State University Northridge; Dr. Sandra Thomas, Altadena Town Council; Gary Moody, owner, Community Management & Investment Consultant; the Rev. Barry Faison, vice president, Altadena Station Clergy Council; Phyllis Harris, consultant and attorney/NAACP; Dr. Jean Burch, pastor, Community Bible Church; Brent Musson, Altadena homeowner; Capt. Steven McLean, Unit Commander; Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, Operations Lieutenant; Deputy Lamark Williams, Community Relations.
Part of the training takes place in the mobile simulated training unit “Live Fire,” which puts participants in the role of a deputy in a shooting situation. The participant interacts with suspects and simulated handguns.
“Participants realize how intense and complex these situations are,” said Williams, and how difficult it is to make the decision whether to shoot or not. Miranda rights and search and seizure methods are also presented, and there are tours of jails and the communications center. The next class will start in August.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Williams or Dep. Michael Randenberg, (626) 798-1131
4. Improve communication
Committee member Gary Moody said that there are expectations for the captain and expectations for the community when it comes to improving communication between residents and law enforcement.
“There’s an expectation of common courtesy,” he said. “It goes both ways. The department will make every effort to get out into the community.” He said that Capt. McLean has attended numerous Neighborhood Watch meetings and will meet with anyone. “You got his number, give him a call.”
There is also an expectation of respect for law enforcement personnel. Young people need to realize that a situation can be blown out of proportion and become deadly, Moody said. When it comes to interaction between deputies and community members, there are “successful encounters or consequences,” Moody stated.
Understanding and utilizing the citizen complaint process is part of improving communication. “We have to make sure our minds are open as well,” Moody stated, sharing personal incidents in which he got one story from a family member and another from the deputies.
Those with complaints can call the station and ask to speak to the watch commander or call the internal affairs bureau. It’s important to go through the steps of the complaint process and if necessary, the appeal process.
“I’ve done that a number of times and I’ve gotten results,” he said. “If you don’t know what the process is, take time to find out.”
5. Expand the Altadena Station Clergy Council
The importance to the community of the clergy council was evident in the meeting being opened and closed in prayer. Rev. Barry Faison, vice president of the Altadena Station Clergy Council, said that the 10-member station council started in 2001 and has plans to increase the size.
The clergy are expected to assist the department when requested, to learn the stressors of the job, and to serve as a resource and counselors. Participating clergy go through an eight-week training and wear special shirts and jackets to identify themselves. They council is open to clergy in both Pasadena and Altadena.
During the Q & A, NAACP President Joe Brown asked if the council was open to all faiths, including Muslims. Lt. Johnson responded, “The members are very diverse. I developed a list of all the churches in Altadena. My goal is to reach out to all of the pastors and all of the churches in Altadena.”
Sheriff’s Station contact: Lt. Johnson, (626) 296-2102
6. More involvement of the Sheriff’s Station in community events
Phyllis Harris, consultant and attorney and an NAACP member, said that the deputies are beginning to get more involved in the goings-on in Altadena. A deputy and deputy explorer—a young person who is trained in non-hazardous law enforcement activities—rode in the Black History Parade in February. Capt. McLean also rode in the parade. The Altadena Station purchased a booth in the post-parade area and provided handouts and answers to questions.
“I commend them for that,” she said, and added that the involvement should include the Latino community as well.
The Deputy Explorer program is another way for community/sheriff interaction, and the station is seeking to get more youth involved. Both Capt McLean and his second-in-command, Lt. Johnson, have spoken to churches to recruit young people aged 14 to 20 ½ into the program.
Youth must have at least a 2.0 GPA to participate in the rigorous 18-week academy. They ride on patrol with deputies, participate in color guard, and help at community events. A considerable number go on to become deputies, Harris said.
She also urged both parents and non-parents to get involved with the children in the community.
Broadus agreed. She volunteers at John Muir High School because at CSUN, she sees intelligent, capable young people who are not prepared for college-level academics. “They aren’t prepared for college, or they don’t get there,” she said.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Scott Wengert, (626) 798-1131
7. Create social media sites
But not without the permission of headquarters! Brent Musson, an Altadena homeowner, reported that the community relations department of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station did open a Facebook account. It was up about a week and got traffic immediately.
However, it had evidently been done without checking with the big boys: The department of media relations at the Sheriff’s Department headquarters ordered it suspended until they can look at it. “It will be back up,” Musson said emphatically. “It’s the first toes in the water, so to speak, when it comes to social media, but it won’t be the last.”
Another medium the station is using is video. Jacques Bolton, actor and executive director of MPYD, developed a script for a video “What to Do When Contacted by Law Enforcement.”
“Every time a deputy interacts with the public, it’s a safety issue for the deputy,” Musson said. The video will focus on two aspects of law enforcement interaction with community members. It teaches youth about police protocols and safety, so they know how to cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and it educates them about how their dress and actions on the street appear.
8. Create more opportunities for community interaction with deputies
Lt. Johnson talked about the efforts the station is making to get out into the community. The majority of people in the community don’t know their deputies, he said. Foot patrols by deputies and more Neighborhood Watch groups are two ways for deputies and residents to get to know each other.
Capt. McLean began rearranging deputy schedules in February so they can do foot patrol and meet local business owners. “It’s not something new, it’s done in most metropolitan areas,” Johnson said.
Neighborhood Watch is a way for neighbors to meet each other as well as their deputies. The station’s community relations staff has been directed to develop new Neighborhood Watch groups and enhance existing ones.
“I’m happy to say, just look at altadenablog—it posts the groups on a map,” Johnson said. “The goal is to expand that and have Neighborhood Watch in every corner.”
Little League is another opportunity to reach the community. The station partners with Altadena Little League and did a bowling night fundraiser that made $4,000. The deputies didn’t fare so well in a challenge game against the 12- and 13-year-olds, though, who beat the deputies “fair and square,” said Johnson.
Sheriff’s Station contact: Dep. Williams or Dep. Michael Randenberg, (626) 798-1131
The members of the committee are Dr. Bernardean Broadous, professor at California State University Northridge; Dr. Sandra Thomas, Altadena Town Council; Gary Moody, owner, Community Management & Investment Consultant; the Rev. Barry Faison, vice president, Altadena Station Clergy Council; Phyllis Harris, consultant and attorney/NAACP; Dr. Jean Burch, pastor, Community Bible Church; Brent Musson, Altadena homeowner; Capt. Steven McLean, Unit Commander; Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, Operations Lieutenant; Deputy Lamark Williams, Community Relations.
Dr. Burch could not attend the meeting, because she was at a dinner with 86 young people who had responded to her call to change their lives at Brandon Jackson’s memorial service.
---
Laura Berthold Monteros writes about Altadena.
