LAPD’s Van Nuys Fair Puts Focus on Community

When Mike Booton became a volunteer boxing trainer with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Jeopardy program five years ago, he wanted to see fewer youths listed on police blotters.

Booton, of Panorama City, was doing his best to achieve that goal again Saturday during the 12th annual Open House and Crime Awareness Fair at the LAPD station in Van Nuys.

“Instead of waiting for them to join gangs,” said Booton, 39, “we try to reach out to them before they get involved.”

Booton is one of four community volunteers who provide alternatives to about 200 of the city’s at-risk youth, utilizing boxing techniques, karate, weightlifting and computer training. “It teaches them discipline, self-esteem and stick-to-itiveness,” he said.

Representatives from about 35 police-related organizations joined various police units--including officers from the narcotics K-9 group, traffic division, auto theft division and bomb squad--in an effort to build better relations with the community.

“This is a way to reach out to the community and identify people who are motivated to get involved in crime prevention,” said Sgt. Bob Arcos, a Van Nuys senior lead officer.

Highlighted with the colorful dress of youth mariachi bands and folklorico dancers, the fair combined the festive atmosphere of a Cinco de Mayo celebration and a relaxed environment in which local residents could meet police officers.

Guided tours of the police station were also available in an effort to minimize some of the barriers between the community and police.

Gayla Gray of Van Nuys said she brought her daughter, Creedence, 7, to the open house so she could learn that police are here to serve the community. Gray also wanted to get information on crime prevention and safety rules.

“I wanted to show my daughter the positive image of police and let her know that, though with everything you might hear, the police are not all bad,” Gray said.