Encino : Police Center Is Officially Opened

The Police Department’s West Valley-Ventura Boulevard Community Assistance Office officially opened Thursday, making the storefront location the San Fernando Valley’s 18th police community service center.

Serving the Tarzana-Encino area, the office is staffed by about 10 community volunteers, said Officer Victor Monroe, one of the two police officers who oversees the center.

Community assistance offices--alternately called community service centers--are one prong of the LAPD’s community-based policing effort.

“The purpose of this center is to inform the community of what’s going on,” Monroe said. “The Neighborhood Watch is coordinated through this office. The Business Watch of Encino is coordinated through this office.”

The space for the center was donated by businessman Rickey Gelb, who owns the building. Police Chief Willie L. Williams was on hand for the opening as well. Other centers are located in City Council field offices, community centers and banks.

The primary purpose of the center is “to provide information and referrals--anything that doesn’t require a policeman coming to your home,” Monroe said.

The center, which has been open for about a month, is not yet a reporting facility. But Monroe said he expects that residents will soon be able to file police reports there.

The office, located in the Gelb Enterprises Building, 17547 Ventura Blvd., is open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For information, call (818) 756-7870.