Police: No Direct Threats, No Increased Security in Wake of NYPD Shootings

Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez said Monday that his department has not received any direct threats and has not increased security measures as results of the killings of New York Police Department Officers Ramos and Liu.

“Pasadena Police officers, employees, volunteers will continue to discharge their duties with respect, courage, and passion knowing the vast majority of our community supports their efforts,” Sanchez said in a statement.

The Chief’s comments came amid media reports that many departments across the country are subject to a higher state of readiness and many are urging their officers to be on the alert for copycat attacks.

Sanchez said that Pasadena police “face potentially dangerous individuals every day” and pointed out that so far this year 14 California peace officers were murdered or died in the line of duty, 114 nationally.

“The statistics are staggering and serve as a harsh reminder that peace officers, including Pasadena First Responders, are not excluded from violent assaults,” he said.

Here in Pasadena, he said, Pasadena Police officers have arrested numerous armed suspects this year without incident.

Sanchez went on to say he believes “Pasadena is so much different than other communities. It has been my experience that government officials, community members, religious leaders and others work collaboratively with one another in the effort to improve the quality of life in Pasadena. While we continue to face challenges in our community, we produce our best effort when people work together toward a common goal. Progressive policing is built on respect. It is the framework of a circular relationship, which includes community support and mutual accountability. Community members and peace officers can interact respectfully even though they might not agree on the outcome.”

Following is the full text of Chief of Police Sanchez’s statement:

Any time a police officer is murdered in the line of duty it impacts those left behind, including other peace officers. The senseless killing of NYPD Officers Ramos and Liu is no different. However, Pasadena Police officers, employees, volunteers will continue to discharge their duties with respect, courage, and passion knowing the vast majority of our community supports their efforts. The New York shooting reminds us all that peace officers put themselves in harm’s way daily to safeguard the public. In 2014, fourteen California Peace Officers were murdered or died in the line of duty, 114 nationally (Officer Down Memorial Page ). The statistics are staggering and serve as a harsh reminder that peace officers, including Pasadena First Responders, are not excluded from violent assaults. In fact, this year Pasadena Police officers have arrested numerous armed suspects without incident.

To the best of my knowledge, the Pasadena Police Department has not received any direct threats even though its personnel face potentially dangerous individuals every day. In my opinion, Pasadena is so much different than other communities. It has been my experience that government officials, community members, religious leaders and others work collaboratively with one another in the effort to improve the quality of life in Pasadena. While we continue to face challenges in our community, we produce our best effort when people work together toward a common goal. Progressive policing is built on respect. It is the framework of a circular relationship, which includes community support and mutual accountability. Community members and peace officers can interact respectfully even though they might not agree on the outcome.

The Pasadena Police Department has not necessarily increased security measures as a direct result of the killings of NYPD Officers Ramos and Liu. However, as we approach the Rose Parade and Bowl Game the department will increase security at the events. As in the past, the Pasadena Police Department works with local, state and federal officials to develop a comprehensive security plan for the parade and game. Equally critical is the community role. It is important to remind our community, parade goers and football fans that is you See Something; Say Something. In other words, I am encouraging people to report suspicious activity to the Pasadena Police Department whenever possible by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 626-744-4241 for non-emergencies.