Area Police May Get Additional Patrol Car

The Van Nuys Division of the Los Angeles Police Department may get an extra “A” patrol car for deployment in Panorama City.

A 1995 LAPD study revealed that Panorama City’s patrol unit 9A9, which responds to all radio calls for service, was dispatched more often than any other patrol car in the entire city, said Randy Hoffmaster, senior lead officer for Panorama City.

“They’re realizing that they need more cars for service” in the area, Hoffmaster said.

The extra car would be one of 27 additional patrol units police officials are considering deploying across the city, he said.

In addition to Panorama City’s current A unit, the area is patrolled by two “Z” cars, which are not required to respond to all radio calls, Hoffmaster said. “For example, I give them information I receive from the public about a gang problem or narcotics problem somewhere, and the Z cars will put some time and effort into addressing that.

“They’re free to respond to different kinds of things.”

Hoffmaster said an extra patrol car in Panorama City would boost the morale of both residents and other officers in the area.

“It’s outstanding,” he said. “Especially for someone that’s as busy as our 9A9 [unit] is, now they can take care of business in a smaller area.”

The extra cars must first be approved by LAPD administrators and the Los Angeles City Council.

If approval is granted, the new car could be on patrol in Panorama City by early next year.

Several Z car officers who patrol Panorama City will attend a July 17 meeting of the Panorama City Neighborhood Assn. to discuss criminal activity in area neighborhoods.

Residents should bring detailed reports of the type of crimes or suspected crimes, including times, dates and descriptions of those involved.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Mission Community Hospital Medical Center, 14850 Roscoe Blvd.