Arcadia City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto  appointed Captain Roy Nakamura to the position of Arcadia Police Chief. A 28-year veteran of the Arcadia Police Department, Captain Nakamura was the current Operations Captain. He succeeded Chief Robert T. Guthrie, who retired from the Arcadia Police Department.

Captain Nakamura began his career with the Arcadia Police Department in 1992 as a Police Officer. As an Officer, he was assigned to Patrol and worked as a Field Training Officer, as well as being assigned to the Detective Bureau. As Detective, he was assigned to the Forgery and Fraud Unit and completed his Detective Bureau assignment in the Crimes Against Persons Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and worked as a Field Supervisor until he was transferred to Personnel and Training. In 2009, Captain Nakamura was promoted to Lieutenant, working various assignments under the Operations and Administration Divisions within the Department, including Watch Commander, Detective Bureau Commander, Field Training Officers Program Commander, and Force Training Unit Commander. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly Pomona, and is married with four grown children and a grandson.

Chief Nakamura began his talk by saying that no problem is too small, to not contact Arcadia PD.  You can always contact the department either by dialing 626-574-5123, or 911.

The prime goal of the department is to reduce crime.  The Chief said this is a priority with the Arcadia Police.  There has been an increase in crimes in the city, especially business crimes, while residential burglaries continue to present big problems.  There has been an increase in store front break-ins.  People need to be alert to the situation by installing alarms and security cameras.

Arcadia PD utilizes various means of technology to combat crime.  The investigative tools include stationary cameras located throughout the city.  While not 100% effective they can assist tracking individuals who come into the city to steal.  An obvious fact, is most thieves don’t come from Arcadia but from somewhere else.  So, cameras can help in following up these people departing the city after a crime.

He stressed it is important to take the time to call if something is suspicious.  The Police time to respond to a call for help in very good in Arcadia.  If someone does not belong in the city and you see them, call the police.

In discussing means of protecting property, some aspects that burglars use are second story balconies, it is important to keep the doors on the second floor locked.  He talked about Safes, indicating that if a safe is not grounded it can be carried out in a theft.  If you are going on vacation, make arrangements for someone to watch your property or notify the police of your absence.  Another item that is “popular” with thieves are catalytic converters.  It is a good thing to have a serial number printed on them if possible.  Obviously, keeping an auto in a garage is the best way to protect them from thieves.  Another item being stolen with frequency are “High end” purses.  He recommends staying aware where you are.  If the surroundings are not safe, stay away.

The Police Departments mantra is “if you see something, say something”.  Please call the police.  I you call 911, hang on a dispatcher will come on shortly.

In forecasting crime in the future, expect an increase in commercial burglaries.  Unfortunately, there is no end in sight. They are finding that tourists are coming in and committing burglaries.  With respect to the Gold line, homelessness is a problem.  The police cannot go in and take people to jail.  A multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat these problems.

Arcadia PD has 71 officers in the department at this time with more on the time.  He stressed if there is a concern, call the Police.