Police Memorial Defaced; Patrols to Be Stepped Up
Santa Ana police officials said Thursday they will step up patrols at the Plaza of Flags in the Civic Center after a monument to fallen officers was covered with human feces.
City crews used high-powered hoses and detergent to clean the monument’s plaques, which honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Orange County, Sgt. Raul Luna said.
“It’s obvious [the vandals’] intent was that specific memorial,” Luna said. “But as far as their motives, it’s hard to say.”
Police helicopter and ground patrols will check on the plaza more often, he said.
The plaza is in an isolated area without bathrooms, Luna said.
“Just like the officers who have their names on the plaques, who were killed by cold, callous individuals in the street, it’s impossible to protect that monument from vandals 100% of the time,” he said.
He added that the monument has never been vandalized before in its 14-year history.
“We hope this is an isolated incident,” Luna said. “However, if it happens again we’ll clean it up and restore it as many times as necessary.”
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