(June 9, 2003) -- With the recent release of a heavily promoted movie focusing on street racing ("2 Fast, 2 Furious"), LBPD Chief Anthony Batts urged officers to watch for any increase in illegal LB street racing...and also took a proactive approach:

Chief Batts authorized deployment of LBPD's "Drags Against Drugs" street-legal racecar at local movie theater complexes. LBPD Sgt. Mark Coble told LBReport.com it's "to break the ice with the kids and talk to them about the dangers of street racing."

Photo: Sgt. M. Coble, LBPD

Photo: Sgt. M. Coble, LBPD

While parked at ELB's Town Center (Carson St. @ 605 fwy), "the car attracted over 500 people of all ages, backgrounds and both sexes who stopped and inquired about the car and the program," said Sgt. Coble, the program's coordinator and creator.

Sgt. Coble said he and LBPD Officer Matthew Hernanez were overwhelmed by the public's positive response. "Where else can police be approached by teens and young adults who normally avoid cops, and talk about their passion for cars and debate whose car is faster?" Sgt. Coble said.

Photo: Sgt. M. Coble, LBPD

Photo: Sgt. M. Coble, LBPD

And Sgt. Coble and Officer Hernandez went one step further: they issued friendly "Speeding Tickets" for free admission to Irwindale Drag Strip. "We can challenge them to a race on an NHRA drag strip under a controlled and legal environment," Sgt. Coble said...adding that they issued over forty "Speeding Tickets" in less than four hours.

The LBPD Racecar is a retired 1995 Chevrolet Black and White patrol car painted with black and white flames, built entirely with generous donations by local businesses and car accessory manufacturers.

"No tax dollars were spent customizing the car," said Sgt. Coble, noting it has a 5.7 LT1 Corvette engine modified to accommodate the 150 hp Nitrous Oxide Kit and produces over 600 horsepower and can run a 12 second quarter mile. "Not bad for a car that weighs in over 4,400 lbs.," he added.

Sgt. Coble said the "Drags Against Drugs" program tries to set positive examples and open up a dialogue with youth, assisting them in making sensible decisions and focusing on common interests like young people's passion for cars and racing.

"The goal is to direct youth and young adults toward sports and education...and away from drug experimentation and street gangs," Sgt. Coble told LBReport.com.

Sgt. Coble said the "Drags Against Drugs" program focuses on:

• 1) Drug and gang Deterrence
• 2) Drinking and Driving
• 3) Driving responsibilities
• 4) Illegal Street Racing

The "Drags Against Drugs" program is part of LBPD's Community Relations department, under the umbrella of the Police Athletic League, a non profit organization committed to Police and kids working together.