10:15am | The Long Beach Police Department announced that the department’s Gang Enforcement Section’s Field Operations Team has been recognized by the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC) and honored with the Award for Excellence in Field Operations.
The Field Operations Team was presented with this prestigious award last night at POALAC’s Annual Installation Banquet and Centurion Awards for Excellence dinner in Burbank, California.
The Excellence in Field Operations award is presented to an individual or group that has made specific remarkable achievements in patrol operations. Nominees must have demonstrated measurable achievements in patrol operations that have improved effectiveness, efficiency or productivity and enhanced public safety in the community. Two officers last year, Jason Garcia and George Ayala, both assigned to the North Patrol Division, were also awarded for their field operation efforts as this continues to show that LBPD is working towards making its department both efficient and respected.
Throughout 2011, the Field Operations Team worked together investigating and conducting field operations on several notorious and violent gangs. They consistently followed-up on clues and leads that led to their involvement in numerous investigations, which resulted in the arrest of suspects on a variety of charges including assault with deadly weapons, robbery, murder, and possession of explosives, firearms, ammunition and narcotics. They served multiple search warrants and confiscated a multitude of weapons, which in some cases were connected to other violent crimes. They were also actively involved in the shooting investigation of a gang detective that stemmed from a street gang disturbance, which ultimately resulted in several arrests and the recovery of a gun. Several Field Operations Team detectives are certified gang experts who provide court testimony, and compile casework and information regarding specific gangs. They share their expertise in the field of gang enforcement and routinely provide focused training to other officers. Several detectives are also members of S.W.A.T. and use their training and experience in their day to day operations.
Stated by Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell:
I want to personally thank and congratulate the Gang Enforcement Section’s Field Operations Team, who has demonstrated a true dedication to the community through their efforts relating to crime prevention, training, and officer safety. Their response to high risk and active crimes, while utilizing their training and experience, has led to the removal of countless gang members, probationers, parolees and violent career criminals from the streets of Long Beach.