Officer Richard Carranza has been busy the past several weeks putting his face out in the community since he was appointed the neighborhood resource officer for the beach beat, replacing Sgt. Brent Crafton, who was recently promoted.
“I’ve been meeting different city entities, going to different businesses and meeting with staff,” he said. “I want to make sure everyone knows we’re available.”
During the three weeks on the beat, which encompasses the beach from border to border, Carranza has been able to effect some change.
On a drive along Ocean Avenue earlier this week with Jackman, the two noticed graffiti and overgrown shrubbery at one of the hotels. Carranza followed up with a visit to the hotel and asked the management to correct the problem. The graffiti has since been cleaned up, Carranza said.
“My concern with graffiti is it usually starts as an indicator,” he said. “When someone puts up their monikers, it’s usually disrespecting another gang.
“When I saw some graffiti up there, I explained to the staff it’s a good idea to get it off there.”
While officials say they are pleased with the results of the new community police program, they stress that there is always room for improvement. Officials will in the coming months evaluate how the rest of the department can be integrated.
“We are going to get the department better in tune with the particular neighborhoods,” Hernandez said. “Right now the NROs are leading the way.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 13, 2008. Read the original PDF.