The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Olympic Division, which oversees Koreatown, has appointed its first-ever Korean American commanding officer. Rachel Rodriguez, a 20-year law enforcement veteran and second-generation officer, emphasized that “police must grow together with the community” and named genuine engagement with the Korean American community as her top priority. From developing a Korean-language public safety survey to launching the “Walk with the Captain” program, she plans to be present in the neighborhood and hear residents’ voices firsthand.
Q: How do you feel about taking command of the Olympic Division?
A: “I’m very pleased. The police department is gradually evolving toward a more community-centered approach. I am working closely with the new deputy chief to share information about Koreatown and strengthen public safety.”
Q: How did your family react?
A: “My mother is proud, and my relatives in Korea congratulated me after reading the Korea Daily article. It is an honor to become a second-generation LAPD commanding officer, following in my father’s footsteps. It’s especially meaningful that my family remains connected to the Korean American community.”
Q: What advantages come with your 20 years of experience?
A: “From South LA, where gang crime is prevalent, to operational and training divisions, I have gained experience as a ‘generalist officer.’ This helps me understand the needs of each unit. Currently, with the city government and Gen City, we are developing a Korean-language public safety survey to assess Korean Americans’ perception of safety and communication with police.”
Q: What is the current crime situation in Koreatown?
A: “Recently, property crimes have dropped by 12% and violent crimes by 21%, with overall crime on the decline. However, theft from vehicles has slightly increased, mainly due to the shortage of parking spaces leading to more street parking. We are running a ‘Do Not Leave Items in Your Car’ campaign to address this.”
Q: What crime prevention efforts are underway?
A: “We are launching a campaign with the LA County District Attorney’s Office to prevent crimes targeting small businesses. Thousands of warning stickers stating, ‘If you commit a crime here, you will be prosecuted,’ will be distributed starting this week.”
Q: How are you addressing crimes related to the homeless population?
A: “While there are many homeless individuals in Koreatown, few are directly linked to crime. We are working with city council and the mayor’s office to connect them to shelters, but long-term strategies are needed.”
Q: What is the staffing situation?
A: “About 230 personnel are assigned to the Olympic Division. The entire LAPD is experiencing staffing shortages, and solutions must be addressed at the organizational level. The proportion of Korean American officers here is relatively higher than in other divisions.”
Q: What are your plans for community collaboration?
A: “I will strengthen ties with the Korean American Federation, senior centers, and neighborhood councils. The ‘Walk with the Captain’ program will be held at least once per quarter, walking through neighborhoods and talking with residents. We will also continue ‘National Night Out’ events to build connections. My goal is ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding to ensure the safety of all communities.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
