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1996 Annual Report
Introduction
This was the centennial year for the Police Department, celebrating 100
years of service to the community. It was a busy and exciting time for Department members
highlighted by three major events and other happenings.
The events were planned by the Centennial Committee which was composed
of Department and community members. Meeting regularly, the committee prepared over a
three-year period, bringing all of the planning to fruition in 1996. It was a lot of hard
work by a dedicated group.
The year's events began in January. A memorial service for all Santa
Monica officers killed in the line of duty was held, highlighted by the addition of a
special wall plaque for Reserve Officer Frederick Chicago Porter killed on-duty in 1933.
The service was followed by a centennial postal stamp commemorative cancellation event for
the historical figure John Henry who was represented by Santa Monica Officer John Henry.
In May, there was a celebrity softball game and chili cook off and a
marvelous parade and carnival staged in August. The annual awards banquet was incorporated
into the black tie and costumed centennial ball held in November. In addition to the
events, a cookbook of "arresting" recipes was created and t-shirts, hats and
mugs with centennial logos were sold. A centennial book entitled True Blue, A Century
of Service is scheduled to be completed next year. All proceeds from sold
commemorative items benefited the Santa Monica Police
Activities League (PAL).
This year marked the third consecutive year in which Part I or serious
crimes declined. An 8.6% decrease in 1996 was preceded by a 9.2% drop in 1995 and an 18.4%
decrease in 1994. Crimes against property totaled 6,447 or 87.4% of the 7,376 Part I
crimes while crimes against persons accounted for only 929 or 12.6% of the serious crime
total. The statistics present an excellent and encouraging picture of the quality of life
in the City.
The Department's 1996 enforcement goals and objectives were an
important piece of the crime reduction. The four goals were: robbery suppression with
special emphasis on street robberies; narcotics suppression with emphasis on identifying
and incarcerating persons under the influence; theft from auto and auto accessory
suppression; and auto theft suppression. It appears the focus on these crimes was
productive. Between 1995 and 1996, robberies were down 16.1% and street robberies 24.8%;
narcotics arrests were down 18.8% which translates to fewer reported narcotics-related
incidents; theft from auto and auto accessories decreased 8.9%; and auto theft dropped
12.9%. The drop in targeted crimes was especially satisfying to the Department's
administration.
Finally, the Department is pleased that one of its captains, Barney
Melekian, was appointed the City of Pasadena's Chief of Police. Chief Melekian was a
respected member of the Santa Monica Police Department's command staff who had assiduously
worked his way up the ranks. Although Department members miss his presence, it is felt he
will be a fine leader for the Pasadena Police Department.
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