Community Policing

THE PROGRAM: The Los Angeles Police Department has assigned 31 officers to full-time community relations duty in the San Fernando Valley. The officers, who in the past spent only a few hours a month on such duty, now work full-time with neighborhood organizations and individuals. One of the 31 areas is described below:

Canoga Park, West Hills, Winnetka

THE OFFICER: George Aguilar

West Valley Division

(818) 989-8543

THE AREA: Aguilar’s predominantly residential beat is a diverse mix of affluent, middle-class and low-income neighborhoods. The biggest crime problem is grand theft auto, which occurs primarily between midnight and 8 a.m., Aguilar says. Members of a Canoga Park gang are believed responsible for many of the thefts, along with graffiti and narcotics sales in the area, he says.