By CSLEA Member, Officer Thomas L. Tolliver
Over the years, our department at Exposition Park has gone through ups and downs and command changes, yet, we, as officers, stand committed to excellence in providing a safe environment to our million visitors a year and the staff here at Exposition Park, which includes the Los Angeles Coliseum, Olympic Swim Stadium, Rose Garden, California Science Center, Space Shuttle Endeavor, California African American Museum, Natural History Museum, Theodore Alexander Science Center Elementary School, and soon the Banc of California Stadium. We also provide security for state, city and county elected officials who visit these facilities.
Museum security officers, more widely recognized as state officers because of our state officer badges, state patrol vehicles and state officer patches, have peace officer powers to make arrests while on-duty and, we use these powers on a regular basis. Rarely is the spotlight on us or the arrests we make, but we are humble and proud to do the job we do. We respond to all park and museum –related emergencies and disturbance calls. We receive calls for service daily of all types of incidents as well as medical calls.
Recently one of our officers had made an arrest for a crime that occurred inside the California African American Museum. One of Expo-Parks finest, made contact with the subject and conducted an investigation. The suspect was on felony probation for vandalism and was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. Upon his arrest, the suspect was transported to LAPD 77th Division jail for booking.
Another recent arrest involved a man who was spotted by an officer patrolling a parking structure. The man was suspiciously peeking into vehicle windows and checking door handles. The officer detained the suspect and discovered the man had an outstanding $10,000 felony warrant for grand theft. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to jail.
Our officers also participate in many community related events throughout the park including a July 4th celebration, Halloween trick-or-treat, bicycle safety programs and a free back-to-school backpack program.
We are a small department, but we are committed to the citizens who visit here and the staff that works here. We are committed to public safety and to the communities we serve.
