The Cerritos City Council on Monday authorized a contract amendment to extend supplemental patrol services from Southwest Patrol through the end of the 2025–26 fiscal year and approved a budget transfer to fund the extension.

Deputy City Manager Ryan Carey presented the item and said the program uses supplemental patrols operating under an "observe and report" model that works alongside the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station. Carey said the vendor agreed to lower its hourly rate from $50 to $47.50 and that the "total projected cost through the end of the fiscal year, for the extension of the contract is $205,000," which staff said would be fully offset by savings identified in the sheriff’s department contract.

Council discussion emphasized crime suppression. Council members and the mayor cited a multi‑month drop in residential burglaries after the city added deterrent measures and supplemental patrols. Captain Drew Strong of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station credited residents for calling in suspicious activity, rapid response and the increased visible presence for helping reduce burglaries.

Council Member Polito moved to authorize the city manager to execute a contract amendment with Southwest Patrol and to approve a budget transfer; Mayor Pro Tem Johnson seconded. The motion passed 5–0. The motion as made on the council floor authorized a budget transfer of $205,200 from account 11045161370 to 11045161340 to facilitate the extension; staff presentation had shown a projected cost figure of roughly $205,000.

Carey said the extension would not require new funding or reserves because savings were available in existing contracts. The contract covers uniformed supplemental patrol officers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and staff said the patrols have shown measurable effects in lowering residential burglaries.