In 2018, the City of Arcata retained the services of the National Police Foundation (NPF) to analyze the APD response to the homicide of Josiah Lawson on April 15, 2017, and the subsequent investigation. The City of Arcata’s administration believed an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the emergency response and the initial investigation of this event would provide lessons learned from the experience and necessary recommendations to improve the APD’s future responses.
THE LAWSON REPORT, part 1
We urge everyone to read and ponder this report, and civilly share your perspectives – with each other, your elected leaders and if you desire, your newspapers.
APD going after graffiti vandals
City of Arcata PRESS RELEASEAPD SEEKS THE PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING GRAFFITI SUSPECTSARCATA – The Arcata Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying suspects responsible for several incidents of graffiti seen throughout the Downtown area between January 1 and 3, 2020. In the last several days investigators identified at least 13 new incidents…
APD: Dual drug overdoses mar Arcata’s New Year
City of Arcata PRESS RELEASE TWO DRUG OVERDOSES IN ARCATA ARCATA – In the past 24 hours, the Arcata Police Department has responded to two drug overdose medical emergencies within the City of Arcata. In both cases, the victims used cocaine while drinking alcohol. One incident resulted in the death of a 39 year old male.…
Alert officer interrupts suspected food truck burglary
City of Arcata PRESS RELEASE WANTED BURGLAR CAUGHT IN THE ACT IN ARCATA On Wednesday, Nov. 27 at about 2:45 a.m., Officer Chris Rogers with the Arcata Police Department was on patrol in the area of Alliance Road and Spear Avenue when he noticed light coming from inside a food truck parked in the area. Officer…
APD wants your old meds this Saturday
APD TO SPONSOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY COLLECTION SITE On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Arcata Police Department will be one of thousands of collection sites across the country for community members to drop off any unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications as part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s nationwide…
Arcata Police seek reported slashing suspect
Mad River Union ARCATA – Arcata Police are asking for the public’s help in solving a slashing incident reported to have occurred the night of Aug. 26. The incident appears in the daily bulletin for that day in APD’s Citizen RIMS online crime reports. According to Police Chief Brian Ahearn, an 18-year-old African American Humboldt…
APD investigating sexual assault in Redwood Park
City of Arcata PRESS RELEASEAPD INVESTIGATING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN REDWOOD PARKOn Friday morning, Aug. 16, 2019, the Arcata Police Department received inquiries from community members regarding a sexual assault that occurred in Redwood Park two to three days ago. The Police Department immediately began an investigation. Community members who had information were contacted by APD and…
Citizen report leads to two arrests, array of charges
City of Arcata PRESS RELEASE On Saturday, Aug. 3 at about 12:29 a.m., officers with the Arcata Police Department were dispatched to the 1300 block of Q Street for the report of a hit and run which had just occurred. It was reported by a witness that a white pickup truck pulling a trailer had struck…
Celebrate the Arcata Police Department with cake on the Plaza Wednesday
APD press release The Arcata Police Department was established on July 31, 1894. Wednesday, July 31 marks the 125th anniversary of community policing in the City of Arcata. Everyone plays a role in keeping Arcata safe and in maintaining a quality of life that all neighborhoods take pride in. As a community policing organization, the Arcata Police Department invites all community…