Anti-Drug Signs

In the San Fernando Valley, on the block stretching east from the intersection of Tampa Avenue and Parthenia Street, there is a complex of public housing. All along that block on both sides of the street hang banners proclaiming, “Buy drugs, go to jail” and LAPD video monitoring.

Such banners are not found in any other area of the West Valley. Is the presumption here that residents of public housing need this type of reminder, while other, more affluent residents in other areas don’t? Do the banners reflect a desire to humiliate and belittle those who have fallen on public assistance? Or did the originator of this idiotic idea believe that the estimated $60 billion that is spent on illicit drugs each year comes from people living in public housing? These shameful and insulting banners should come down, the sooner the better.

HARRY D. FISHER

Woodland Hills

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For too long, the residents of the apartment complex known as Park Parthenia have been held hostage by drug dealers who peddle their wares to vehicular and pedestrian traffic that passes by the location. Over the years, Park Parthenia has become known to many drug users as an ideal place to make a quick “score.” Residents have been intimidated by gang members who sell the drugs in the area. Parents have been frightened to allow their children to play freely in the area for fear of gang intimidation and the potential threat of becoming victims of violent crime, as well as the likely temptation to become involved in the gang’s activities.

The management of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Community Police Station has been working closely with the apartment owners, security personnel and residents of Park Parthenia to rid the community of this blight. For a number of years we have developed a variety of strategies to bring the drug dealers to justice and to advertise to their customers that, when caught purchasing drugs in the area, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The banners advertising video capabilities at the location are but one of the strategies that have been employed to curb the area of drug sales and the myriad of crimes that accompany such sales. The banners have the support of the property owners in the area and the majority of the tenants who occupy the apartments. The banners, in conjunction with the other strategies employed, have had a positive effect on reducing the number of illegal drug transactions in the area, although still more has to be done to permanently rid the area of drug sales.

I can assure you, the only people that the banners are designed to single out are the illegal drug dealers and their customers.

CAPT. JOSEPH CURRERI

Area Commanding Officer

Devonshire Community

Police Station