The Sixth Avenue Neighborhood Watch in Leimert Park is the latest in a trend of community groups that are taking steps to keep the community safe — and also serving as emblems of the improved relations between the residents of Leimert Park and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
It wasn't always so. Back in 1965 the relationship between residents of Leimert Park and LAPD was often hostile and adversarial. On August 11, 1965, with the entire city on edge amid the tensions surrounding the Civil Rights movement, a routine traffic stop by LAPD officers provided the spark that ignited feelings of disenfranchisement. The Watts Riot erupted and lasted for six days. Leimert Park was on the fringe of the action and became an armed camp. National Guard troops established a base at Leimert Park's Audubon Junior High School. They cordoned the neighborhood off at Crenshaw Boulevard. No one could enter or leave Leimert Park without enduring a thorough body search by LAPD officers. Parents kept children indoors as police officers escorted fully armed National Guard troops through the neighborhood around the clock.
Long-time Leimert Park resident Maurice Mouton recalls the toxic atmosphere at that time.
"The resentment of the LAPD stemmed from the influx of middle class blacks into the Leimert Park area," Mouton says. "At that time, the police department didn't feel that blacks were worthy of, or eligible for, residency within Leimert Park. As a result, they policed with an arrogant and discriminatory mindset against the increasing black community."
The tension between the police department and the Leimert Park residents began to ease in the early 1990's when the city initiated a community-based policing program. In order for the program to succeed in Leimert Park, it was essential the two sides learn to work together. The department has worked hard to learn about the community. In turn, the community feels more comfortable in reaching out to the department for assistance.
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Sunny Sasajima serves as the Southwest Division liaison for the Neighborhood Watch program in Leimert Park. He reflects the department's change in policing philosophy.
"In the past, we used to come into a community and dictate what was going to be done," Sasajima says. "It was either our way or no way. We now seek the input from the community as to what they feel will work and what has been effective in reducing crime. We have people who were once reluctant to speak to us now calling us on the phone to report crime or ask questions."
Mouton confirms the new attitude of the police.
"Today we find a stark difference in the police mindset and attitude," Mouton says. "For you see, the LAPD has now discovered that they cannot win the war against crime solely by reliance on weaponry, force of numbers, or tactical strategies. It has become apparent that only with the help of the community as their eyes, ears and partners do they stand a chance to suppress and push back crime. In addition, the clear fact that the almost all black Leimert Park community is comprised of hard-working, financially sound, intelligent residents has now turned a hostile police mindset into one of respect, admiration, and appreciation."
Officer Sasajima says there are ten active Neighborhood Watch groups in Leimert Park, four of which he helped the residents create within the last year. All of the groups are enjoying a reduction in crime in their areas, most notably in burglaries and auto thefts.
Todd Becraft formed the 6th Avenue Neighborhood Watch Group in December after noticing a bullet hole in his wife's vehicle one morning. Unsure what kind of response he would get from neighbors, he was delighted at the turnout at the first two meetings.
"The neighbors grabbed onto this," Becraft said. "They are enthusiastic and are embracing Officer Sasajima. In addition to feeling more secure, residents are getting to know one another. The whole process is developing a greater sense of community."
Walter Melton is a writer for the L.A. Garment & Citizen.
Photos by Walter Melton.
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