WILSHIRE DISTRICT : ‘Hamsters’ Honor Liaison Officer

Members of the Wilshire Ham Watch, an all-volunteer citizen patrol working with the Wilshire Division of the Police Department, recently honored the officer who trained them and served as their liaison to the force.

Officer Ron Smith received a plaque from the patrol members as well as their thanks for his “service and dedication,” said Jay Rhee, one of the patrol coordinators. “Because of his commitment and training we’ve never had any injuries or complaints.”

Established in 1991, the Wilshire Ham Watch now consists of two teams. One team of about 30 Korean American volunteers patrols Koreatown on Friday and Saturday nights. They are linked to the police through a system that combines their ham radios and the police dispatch frequencies, allowing them to keep in touch with police patrol cars.

Another team, which fields about 12 people a shift, covers much the same area plus parts of Hollywood. But in addition to their ham radios, they are also equipped with high-powered cameras and microphones.

“We’re more hi-tech,” said volunteer Endi Maricevic, whose team includes doctors, lawyers and self-employed businessmen who initially organized in response to a rash of window-smashing incidents.

The volunteers, sometimes referred to as Hamsters, use their own vehicles and pay all their own expenses, including ham-radio training and equipment.

“The key to their success has been their selfless dedication and genuine concern for the community,” Smith said. “They are the motivating force that keeps me doing what I’m doing.”

Capt. John Mutz of the Wilshire Division commended Smith for his understanding and patience in teaching the volunteers observation techniques as well as the policies and code of behavior to which they must adhere as members of a citizens patrol.

“Officer Smith has given up a lot of personal time to help make this probably one of the most effective citizen volunteer groups possible,” Mutz said.

Information: (213) 485-4020.