The 7 Shocking Truths About The Cerritos, CA Police Department (It’s Not What You Think)
Few cities in Southern California operate their public safety services quite like Cerritos, CA. If you search for the "Cerritos Police Department," you might be surprised to learn that a traditional, standalone municipal police force does not exist. Instead, the City of Cerritos has maintained a unique, long-standing contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) since 1956, a partnership that continues to evolve and introduce cutting-edge policing initiatives into 2025.
This structure, centered at the Cerritos Sheriff's Station/Community Safety Center, provides the city with a dedicated team of approximately 80 Sheriff's deputies, supplemented by a robust, city-run Department of Community Safety Services. This two-pronged approach ensures that residents receive the high-level resources of a major law enforcement agency, coupled with localized, community-focused programs designed to keep one of Los Angeles County's most desirable suburbs safe and secure. The following breakdown reveals the most critical and current facts about the city's unique public safety model.
The LASD Cerritos Station: Command and Core Operations
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) provides all sworn law enforcement services for Cerritos, from emergency response to major investigations. This arrangement is not merely a shared service; the Cerritos Station operates as a dedicated unit, ensuring a consistent and focused presence within the city limits. The station is a full-service facility, handling everything a typical city police department would, but with the backing and resources of the largest sheriff’s department in the world.
Biography of Key Personnel and Command
- Agency: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD)
- Dedicated Facility: Cerritos Sheriff's Station / Community Safety Center
- Address: 18135 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703
- Current Leadership (2025): The station's Unit Commander is a Captain appointed by the LASD. Recent news mentions Captain Dru Strong as a key figure in recent public safety initiatives, working closely with the City's Public Safety Manager, Daryl Evans.
- Staffing: The city contracts for approximately 80 dedicated Sheriff's deputies, including patrol units, investigators, and specialized personnel.
- Core Mission: To provide comprehensive public safety, including patrol, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigation, while integrating seamlessly with the city's community-focused safety programs.
7 Key Facts About Cerritos’s Unique Public Safety Model in 2025
The public safety strategy in Cerritos is a model of municipal efficiency, blending the power of the LASD with targeted, local initiatives. These seven facts highlight how the city maintains its low crime rate and high quality of life.
1. Cerritos is an Early Adopter of Cutting-Edge Drone Technology
In a significant step toward modern policing, the Cerritos Sheriff's Station has deployed advanced drone technology to enhance its operations. The station utilizes a fleet of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to provide real-time aerial support for various incidents. This cutting-edge deployment, overseen by the station's command staff, allows deputies to quickly assess crime scenes, search for missing persons, and gain tactical overviews during critical incidents like pursuits or large-scale events. Captain Dru Strong highlighted the drones as an "indispensable tool" for improving public safety and response times, a clear example of the city investing in modern law enforcement tools.
2. Crime Statistics Show a Focus on Property Crime Prevention
Current data from the LASD's reports for 2024 and 2025 indicate that the city's public safety focus remains on mitigating Part I Crimes, particularly property-related offenses. While overall crime rates remain low compared to many neighboring cities, the LASD Cerritos Station actively tracks and reports monthly statistics on violent crimes (like homicide, robbery, and assault) and property crimes (including burglary and vehicle theft). The city's proactive measures, such as the Homeowner Burglary Abatement Project, are designed specifically to target and reduce opportunities for residential theft, reflecting a direct response to community concerns.
3. The City Runs a Dedicated Community Safety Division
Separate from the sworn LASD deputies, the City of Cerritos maintains its own Department of Community Safety Services. This division is the bridge between the Sheriff's Station and the residents, focusing on non-sworn, quality-of-life issues. Their services include managing the Overnight Parking Permit system, coordinating Code Enforcement to maintain community standards, and administering various crime prevention and emergency preparedness programs. This dual-agency approach ensures that sworn deputies can focus on serious crime, while city staff handle administrative and preventative community needs.
The Core of Community Policing and Crime Prevention
The strength of the Cerritos public safety model lies in its deep integration of community involvement and preventative measures. The LASD Cerritos Station and the Community Safety Center collaborate extensively on programs that empower residents to be the first line of defense against crime.
4. The Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) Program is Highly Active
The Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) program is a cornerstone of the Cerritos community policing strategy. This initiative allows trained, dedicated citizens to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Sheriff's deputies. VOP members perform routine tasks such as patrolling neighborhoods, conducting vacation checks, and assisting with traffic control at special events. By utilizing these community volunteers, the Cerritos Sheriff's Station extends its reach and visibility without requiring additional sworn personnel, fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility for public safety.
5. Targeted Initiatives Address Specific Crime Trends
In response to evolving criminal tactics, the city continuously implements new, targeted initiatives. One notable example is the Priority Response for Residential Burglary Alarms program, designed to ensure the fastest possible response from deputies to alarm calls, thereby increasing the chance of apprehension or crime deterrence. Furthermore, the city's focus on Business Crime Prevention provides local businesses with resources and training to protect their assets, a necessity for a city that is a major commercial and retail hub.
6. Traffic and Parking Enforcement is a Shared Responsibility
Traffic management and parking enforcement are critical components of maintaining order in a dense suburban environment. The LASD deputies handle serious moving violations, DUI enforcement, and accident investigations. Meanwhile, the city's Community Safety Division manages the extensive Parking Enforcement program, including the issuance and management of Overnight Parking Permits. This clear division of labor ensures that all aspects of vehicular and pedestrian safety are addressed efficiently, from major traffic stops to local parking ordinance compliance.
7. The Partnership is Continuously Reviewed and Elevated
Public safety is a constant topic of discussion at the Cerritos City Council level. Recent actions, including those in late 2024, show the City is actively elevating its commitment, reviewing additional staffing for both sworn deputies and Code Enforcement Officer positions to increase neighborhood presence and responsiveness. This continuous review and investment ensure the LASD-Cerritos partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and funded at a level that keeps the city one of the safest in the region. The collaboration between the City Council, Public Safety Manager Daryl Evans, and the Cerritos Sheriff's Station command staff is key to this ongoing success.
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