Los Angeles Introduces Citywide Hit and Run System

LOS ANGELES— Councilmembers Mitchell Englander and Joe Buscaino will join the Los Angeles Police Department, the Department of Transportation to announce the implementation of a hit-and-run mass notification system within the City of Los Angeles.

This system will use existing technology platforms such as Nixle, Twitter and Facebook to broadcast to localized communities in the event of a fatal hit and run incident. Additionally, they will be announcing companion legislation to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to offer a standing reward for the apprehension and conviction of those guilty of committing a hit-and-run crimes.

Los Angeles and its surrounding communities are in the grips of a hit-and-run epidemic. The LAPD records approximately 20,000 hit-and-runs each year. Nearly half of all vehicle crashes in the City of Los Angeles are hit-and-runs, compared with the national average of 11 percent. Last year, there were 27 fatalities and 144 severe injuries due to hit-and-run crimes.

WHO: Councilmember Mitchell Englander

            Councilmember Joe Buscaino

            Los Angeles Police Department

            Department of Transportation

WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 9:30 AM

WHERE: Los Angeles City Hall – South Lawn, 200 North Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012