Tip a Cop; LAPD Celebrates The Jeopardy Program

 
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Operations Valley Bureau, in support of the Jeopardy "Balancing the Odds" Foundation, Inc., invites the public to "Tip A Cop Day" on Friday, March 21, 2003, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The program, featuring celebrities, music, entertainment, refreshments and public officials, will be held at Dimions Restaurant located at, 8274 Sunland Boulevard in Sun Valley (Sunland Boulevard at the I-5 Freeway).
Tax Deductible donations will be accepted to assist the LAPD to expand its Jeopardy program to keep "at-risk juveniles" from the gang lifestyle. Jeopardy also assists their parents. Since 1993, Jeopardy has had an 80 percent success rate.
The Jeopardy motto, "Between the gangs and our families," describes what the program strives for. A recent Department of Justice Study estimates some 55,000 gang members in 513 gangs in the City of Los Angeles.
The importance of the Jeopardy Program is reflected by the study’s figures. The study reveals that of these 55,000 gang members (many of them 4th generation):

90% will be arrested by the age of 18;
75 % will be arrested TWICE by the age of 18;
95% will not finish high school; and
60% will be dead or in prison by the age of 20.

Donations from the Friday "Tip a Cop" day will be used for such important activities as recreational (supervised) programs, remedial education, personal enrichment, individual counseling for juveniles, and parenting assistance for their families.
For further information contact Captain Ron Marbrey, Commanding Officer of North Hollywood Patrol Division at, 818-623-4006.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.