Police Seek Fence, Higher Wall to Protect Van Nuys Station

Citing rising crime and graffiti vandalism at the Van Nuys Station of the Los Angeles Police Department, officials are seeking funds to erect a 6-foot fence around an employee parking lot and increase the height of a wall around a nearby garage.

Capt. J.S. McMurray said the request was prompted by an increase in burglaries of employees’ cars and safety concerns of civilian employees of the station, which also serves as the command bureau for the San Fernando Valley. McMurray said that graffiti vandals have also struck at the station in recent months and a fake bomb was found earlier this year next to a doorway to the parking lot.

“Our best judgment is that we should get the building fenced,” McMurray said. “The concerns of our employees are well-founded.”

McMurray said a fence would not impede the public’s access to the station.

The four-story station, which includes a jail, is part of the civic center in Van Nuys in the 6200 block of Sylmar Avenue. It is the only one of five police stations in the Valley that does not have a secured parking facility for employees. “I have trouble thinking of any station (in the city) that doesn’t,” McMurray said.

McMurray said the security improvements should cost less than the $30,000 requested in a budget amendment that will be considered by the Police Commission next week.

“Basically, it will cut down on unauthorized pedestrian traffic through the parking lot,” McMurray said.

Included in the proposal are funds to raise a wall surrounding the police garage next to the station from 3 feet to 6 feet. The garage has also been the target of increased vandalism.