First Lady Michelle Obama Invites LAPD Captain and Sergeant to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address NR1520SF

Los Angeles: The men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are proud of Captain Tingirides and Sergeant Tingirides who are in Washington D.C to attend tomorrow night’s State of the Union Address.

Recently, Captain Phil Tingirides, Commanding Officer of Southeast Division, and his wife, Sergeant Emada Tingirides, assigned to Operations-South Bureau, received an invitation from First Lady Michelle Obama requesting their presence at President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address at the U.S. Capitol. Captain Tingirides and Sergeant Tingirides will be recognized for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) program; a program designed to improve the relationship between the residents of public housing communities and the LAPD.

The CSP, established in November 2011, is a collaborative program that includes the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the City’s Gang Intervention and Youth Development office and the LAPD. The program provides an opportunity for officers to work side by side with residents and community members to develop and implement sustainable programs, eradicate crime, address quality of life issues all while simultaneously bridging the gap between the community and the LAPD. According to Captain Tingirides, “The officers go into the housing developments with the intent NOT to make arrests, but to create partnerships, create relationships, to hear the community and see what they need and then work together with HACLA to make those things happen.”

“The recognition given by the President of the United States to a community engagement program like CSP, speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department. Captain Phil Tingirides, Sergeant Emada Tingirides and the enthusiastic team that work the Community Safety Partnership program, have not only reduced crime but, also enhanced police/community relations and partnerships.” – Chief Charlie Beck.

Lastly, it’s been noted that guests to the State of the Union Address usually symbolize key points of President Obama’s speech. The Tingirides have been requested to sit in a box with First Lady Michelle Obama.

President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address is scheduled for: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET http://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu #SOTU