Cerritos Takes Swift Action on Public Safety, Reviews Additional Measures

December 04, 2024

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CERRITOS, CA - December 4, 2024 - The City of Cerritos is elevating its public safety initiatives by reclassifying dispatch calls, increasing patrol staffing and incorporating advanced technology tools into its crime prevention and response measures. While Cerritos remains one of the safest cities in the region with regard to violent crime, the City Council and Cerritos Sheriff’s Station have taken immediate action and made progress in addressing property crime in response to concerns voiced by citizens at the November 4 Council meeting.

"The safety of our community remains our highest priority," said Mayor Naresh Solanki. "We are grateful to the residents who shared their concerns with the City, enabling Cerritos Sheriff’s Station personnel to take swift action and develop long-term solutions to enhance the security of our residents and businesses."

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Public Safety Manager Daryl Evans and Captain Dru Strong shared new actions taken by the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station since early November, and presented additional measures for City Council consideration.

Immediate Safety Measures Implemented

The City has already taken significant steps to bolster public safety, including:

Reclassifying residential burglary alarm calls as Priority: This change is expected to reduce average response times by approximately half.
Enhancing patrol coverage: Redeploying special assignment teams, adding holiday patrols, and conducting targeted surveillance through the Major Crimes Bureau.
Installing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras: Thirteen cameras have been installed at key intersections, with six more planned for high-volume locations.
Expanding public safety staffing: The City has initiated the hiring process for a vacant Community Services Officer (CSO) and two vacant Parking Enforcement Officer positions to increase neighborhood patrols.
Launching a public outreach campaign: The City is engaging with residents on burglary prevention and encouraging active participation in neighborhood safety efforts.

Future Safety Enhancements Approved

The Council also approved staff recommendations for additional safety measures, including:

Establishing a drone patrol program: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has revised its protocols to allow Cerritos deputies to operate an aerial drone in support of patrol operations.
Security Guard Contracts: The City will partner with Southwest Patrol to provide three unarmed private security guards to conduct high visibility patrols.
Residential security camera rebate program: The City will offer rebates of up to $200 per household for qualifying home security systems to help residents protect their properties.
Expanded crime suppression efforts: The City will increase staffing and resources for public safety initiatives. The City Council approved an additional $40,000 for overtime for Sheriff’s Deputies to focus on crime suppression efforts. They also authorized the purchase of an additional fully-equipped CSO patrol vehicle to increase the City’s patrol capacity by 25%.

These proposed measures represent an estimated investment of $333,000.

"These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing community concerns," said Cerritos Sheriff’s Station Captain Dru Strong. "By integrating technology, increasing staffing, and empowering residents, we’re building a stronger, more resilient safety network for Cerritos."

Community Collaboration and Engagement

Residents are encouraged to take an active role in public safety by:

Joining Neighborhood Watch: Learn more and sign up.
Staying informed: Subscribe to public safety alerts.
Reporting suspicious activity: Contact the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at (562) 860-0044

For More Information

Contact the Cerritos Sheriff's Station at (562) 860-0044 or visit safercerritos.us.