PHILLIP BOBO, SERGEANT I, began his career with the city of Los Angeles, Airport Police, in July 1980, attending Rio Hondo Police academy. He was assigned to boarding services. In September 1981, he transferred to the Los Angeles Port Police and attended the Long Beach Police Academy. He was assigned to the Wilmington Community working patrol car Mike 2. In February 1985, He joined the Los Angeles Police Department, graduating from the police academy and completing his probation at West Valley Division. In January 1987, he was transferred to Southwest Division, located at 1546 West Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, where he would spend more than next 21 years of his career. While at Southwest Division, he was assigned to patrol, gangs, foot-beat, special problems unit, and a loan to South Bureau CRASH. In 1990, he was promoted to training officer, and in 1996, he was promoted to Senior Lead Officer. Phillip was assigned as the Senior Lead Officer (SLO)for Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, and Crenshaw Manor Communities for nearly 10 years, working with Mary Darks, Faith Mitchell, and Presley Burroughs. In this capacity, the community members and Phillip worked together, closing locations selling drugs including the nuisance liquor stores. He began a National Night Out Event, which still exists today, at Martin Luther King Jr. Bl. and 39th St.
In 2005, Phillip resigned his position as SLO, in an effort to work other assignments, such as, the Detectives Section’s school car, robbery, and juvenile details. In 2007, he was requested to work the Community Relations Unit, in a continuous effort to promote juvenile programs.
In May 2008, Phillip was highly requested to transfer to the Southeast Community Relations Unit, to assist with establishing an enhanced relationship between law enforcement and the community members of Southeast Area. Due to Phillip’s expertise in community and law enforcement partnerships, he was in-charge of the adult programs, which consisted of Clergy, Volunteers, Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB), Reserve Officers, and Boosters. The programs were enhanced by community participation, which included college interns, several of whom have pursued law enforcement careers. In 2009, Phillip requested to assume the responsibility for coordinating the annual National Night Program. With the assistance of numerous community members and Community Activists, the event had over 5,000 community members participate. In 2010, Phillip started the LAPD Southeast Senior Citizen Club. The only LAPD senior club and still exists today.
In 2011, Phillip promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to Olympic Division. In 2012, he transferred to Custody Services Division (Jail). Having spent most of his career in a community relation type of an assignment, Sergeant Bobo was invited to participate in the first Jail Community Police Advisory Board by his commanding officer, which became history for the Los Angeles Police Department. Later, Sergeant Bobo made history again. He started the first Jail Volunteer Program. Also, in his current assignment, Sergeant Bobo was afforded the opportunity to have Custody Services Division personnel to participate in the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run.
The Value of Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships
Sergeant Phillip Bobo has received many commendations and community awards throughout his trailblazing and goals-driven career. In his own words, “I just try to be helpful.” When it comes to Phillip’s legacy, such as, character, honor, and dedication, his former long-time LAPD patrol partner and dear friend, Sergeant Todd Clease, LAX, FSD, proudly says:
“I just want to congratulate my partner Phil Bobo on reaching a well-deserved retirement after serving the community over 35 years. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Phil for most of his career in law enforcement. Phil has always been an honest, trustworthy, and no nonsense person, who could be trusted to watch your back. Phil took pride in serving and protecting the community, since his childhood. Phil always brought a positive attitude and a can-do work ethic to every detail that we worked together. Phil established himself as someone who cared about the community, which was highlighted during his time as a Senior Lead Officer. He received numerous commendations and recognition from the community and the Department. Phil is very strong-willed, and he has a way of convincing others that his opinion is the right opinion, and others should share his opinions. Jokingly speaking, this caused him to become nick named as “Commander Bobo”. My partner enjoyed a career unsullied and free from controversy because of his honesty and his desire to treat people the way they deserve to be treated. Phillip Bobo is a role model and the community and the Department will miss his presence.” “Phil, enjoy your retirement and save my place. I will be coming soon.”
Lastly, Sergeant Bobo states he would not have accomplished his goals without the love and support of his wife, parents, children, friends, and co-workers.
“Phil, after completing 36 years of dedicated service in law enforcement., we congratulate you and wish you well in your retirement. Continued Peace and Blessings to you and your family throughout life’s endeavors.” – Your LAPD Family & Friends
