In the wake of last Friday’s attack on two Culver City High School students shortly after the end of classes, neighborhood activist John Heyl has renewed his call for a wider and longer police presence around the three-school campus.
“I understand that resources are limited, and everybody only has so much to work with,” he said. “But we need more police around the schools (Farragut Elementary, the Middle School and high school) when the children are coming and going. “
Authorities have been sympathetic, he said, but that is where the helping hand has stopped.
“I have talked to the School Board and I have sent an email to the Police Chief,” said Mr. Heyl, who lives nearby. “Sgt. (Mike) Webb came out, and he was very helpful. Whenever I have complained, officers have come out. But I shouldn’t have to complain to get offices to come.
“They are very polite when they come out. They say ‘When we are here, we are not someplace else.’ That is why I try to use that privilege sparingly when I call.”
He believes police visibility is crucial.
“When the police do come through, they drive through,” Mr. Heyl said. “But if there were one sitting out in plain sight, giving tickets once in a while, I am sure that would cut down on a lot of what is going on.”
He said a black and white police cruiser “usually is parked on Franklin,” not far from the triangular campus, but not close enough to suit Mr. Heyl. “I don’t know why he is parked there. I think if he was on Elenda (the street running in front of the high school), writing tickets more often,” the area would be safer.
Whether a police presence would have made a difference last Friday after school remains an open question. Two high school boys were walking west on Braddock Drive, around the corner from the high school, at about 3:15 when they were accosted by at least eight angry boys of similar age who stole the I-phone that one of the Culver students was holding. School security guards later captured the eight and held them for police. Seven were arrested and charged with robbery.
It is said that an assault of this type near the campus is a rare occurrence. Culver High Athletic Director Jerry Chabola said the last similar incident he remembered was 10 to 12 years ago.
