City of Los Angeles Welcomes the NBA All Stars NR11072SF

Los Angeles: The Department of Homeland Security, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have united together to keep the peace, maintain order and ensure the safety of the community, NBA players and fans who plan to attend the events associated with the NBA All Stars.
The 2011 NBA All Star events will take place Wednesday, February 16 through Monday, February 21, 2011, at Staples Center, LA Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center.  During this time period, the LAPD will deploy numerous gang unit officers and uniformed police officers to patrol the area on foot.  The Department will also utilize bomb detection K-9 units, check arriving limos and busses at designated checkpoints and use external cameras to monitor the vicinity of Staples Center, LA Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center. 
The LAPD has repeatedly stated that the best crime prevention tool is the general public. Our message is clear, "If You See Something, Say Something.", go to www.iwatchla.org.  The LAPD’s iWATCH program is a simple and effective program to engage the public and employees of the participating venues to identify and report any signs or behaviors of terrorism, crime or other threats to law enforcement authorities.
 
Chief Charlie Beck and members of the LAPD would like to remind the public that the iWATCH program is about behaviors and activities, NOT individuals.  To report suspicious behavior, please visit: www.iWATCHLA.org, or call 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328.)
For more information, please call LAPD’s Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.