LAPD Spotlights Center at Arco Plaza

People who work in the high-rises of downtown Los Angeles and need to file a police report can avoid a trip to the LAPD Central Division by using the Central Area Drop-In Center at the Arco Plaza.

Although the center has been open since last year, the Los Angeles Police Department will hold its formal grand opening today. The center is on the B level of the twin towers on Flower Street.

As with the other LAPD drop-in centers in Chinatown, Little Tokyo and Pershing Square, the primary purpose is convenience.

“If you tell people to go to Central Division to file a report and tell them it’s on 6th and Wall Street [near skid row], it sends shivers up their spine,” said senior lead Officer Larry Pratt. The center, which is manned by one full-time officer and one part-time officer, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ceremony today will feature refreshments and a display of police memorabilia from the Los Angeles Historical Society.

The ceremony is intended to spread the word through the downtown area that the center is open for business.

“We want to make sure people in other buildings near here know about the center,” said Gemma Beristain, lead security officer for Arco corporate offices. “The businesses are really happy the police are here.”

In addition to filing reports, visitors can pick up an array of pamphlets the LAPD publishes about the best ways to avoid crimes. There are also brochures and magazines with tourist information put out by the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Just knowing the police are so close is a good thing,” said Manuella Walter-Radich, who works in the Arco towers. She did have one complaint, though. “I just wish they were here at four in the morning when I come to work.”