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Council declines feasibility study for a city police department, opts to remain with county sheriff contract
Summary
After public comment and staff analysis highlighting high startup and operating costs, the council voted (4–1) to continue contracting with the LA County Sheriff rather than fund a feasibility study for a local police department. Councilmember Suarez voted no.
The Lawndale City Council voted to remain under its contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and declined to authorize an immediate feasibility study into creating a municipal police department.
Staff framed the proposal as a council-direction question after a resident, Juan Granalos, suggested exploring a local police force. Staff noted substantial additional costs that would accompany a local department — including a 24/7 jail, dispatch center, vehicle fleet support, mechanics, and related personnel — and cited third-party examples noting feasibility-study costs from roughly $90,000 up to $200,000 in comparable cities.
Several members of the public urged the council not to pursue a new police force. One resident pointed to historical opposition and the 1982 vote that defeated a local force, while others detailed likely tax impacts, startup costs in the millions, and staffing challenges that neighboring cities face when recruiting and retaining officers.
Council discussion focused on alternatives: issuing a request for proposals to solicit staffing or service proposals from nearby agencies, investing instead in non-sworn public-safety capacity (the PSO pilot just approved), or conducting a full, expensive study. The council ultimately accepted a motion to "stay with the sheriffs," which passed with Council member Suarez recorded in the minority.
The council did not authorize the feasibility study and instead directed staff to concentrate on implementing the newly approved PSO pilot and exploring other ways to improve local service delivery without undertaking the high-cost study.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the PSO implementation and may research alternative contract or interlocal options if directed in a future agenda item.
