Media Logistics For Coverage of Officer Randy Simmons’ Memorial Service

The following information is being provided to assist members of the media covering memorial services for slain LAPD SWAT Team Officer Randal Simmons.

WHAT:
Funeral and subsequent interment for Officer Simmons

WHEN:
Funeral:
Friday, February 15, 2008 11 a.m.
Interment:
Immediately following funeral services
WHERE:
Funeral:
Crenshaw Christian Center Faith Dome
7901 S. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Interment:
Holy Cross Cemetary
5835 W. Slauson Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
DETAILS:
Media Relations Section
The Crenshaw Christian Center Faith Dome will be opened to the media on February 15, 2008 starting at 4:00 a.m.; Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre and Sergeant Leland Sands, Media Relations Section (MRS) will be on hand to coordinate media check-in and parking. Media will be required to present photo identification (LAPD Media Credential, state ID, or driver’s license). Freelancers may provide a signed letter on company letterhead in lieu of media identification.

NOTE: Due to security concerns media access to the facility will take place from 4:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., no exceptions.
General Media Parking
"Limited" parking space is available to the media toward the rear of the Crenshaw Christian Center Faith Dome. Unfortunately, parking space may not be available to accommodate all parking needs, and will be on a "first come first serve" basis. Additional parking will be available along the west side of Vermont Avenue in front of the facility. Media arriving after 7:30 a.m. will have to check in at the campus entrance on Vermont Avenue and walk to the Faith Dome.

Media Area
A media area will be located in front and slightly to the north of the entrance to the worship facility. MRS personnel will be at the location to provide updates and assist with security needs. Due to the anticipated large turnout of the media, space will be at a premium. On behalf of and at the request of the Simmons Family, the Department asks that media representatives (reporters/camera personnel) remain in either of the two locations (parking lot or media area) established for your production needs, for the duration of the funeral services. Due to the limited space available, media waiting for access to the locations may replace members of the media who choose to vacate their space at either location.

Media/Police Briefing
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Sergeant Sands will conduct a briefing with media personnel at the media area near the Faith Dome to detail the morning’s events and answer any questions.

Instructions for Holy Cross Cemetary
Security and traffic concerns coupled with the wishes of the Simmons Family necessitate that media access be limited at the Holy Cross Cemetery. The Los Angeles Police Department is working with the Radio and Television News Association (RTNA) and the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles to identify pool cameras. Once identified, MRS will coordinate their logistical needs, a "pool" helicopter will also be identified and coordinated through RTNA.

Funeral Procession Route
Immediately following the service, the Department motorcade will lead the procession north onto Vermont Avenue then west onto Slauson Avenue where it will continue to 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA.

NOTE: The media parking plan for the exterior of the Holy Cross Cemetary is being coordinated with the Culver City Police Department and will be released February 14, 2008.

CONTACT:
Any questions may be directed to LAPD Media Relations Section. 213- 485-3586, or directly to Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre, 213-928-2462.