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Lake Forest reviews sheriff contract, staff cites improved crime trends and a deputy addition
Summary
Deputy city staff reported modest declines in serious crime, steady response times around five minutes, and staff proposed adding a second deputy in the upcoming contract year; officials noted a sharp increase in parking citations and growing calls for service.
Deputy City Manager Sean McGovern presented a review of the city's proposed FY 2026-27 law-enforcement agreement with the Orange County Sheriff's Department at the May 21 meeting, highlighting crime trends, response times and staffing needs.
McGovern said the city's contract model with the sheriff's department (in place since 1991) has been cost-effective and that part one crime—serious offenses such as aggravated assault and rape—showed a modest decrease from 2023 to 2024. He told the council the city received more calls for service in the last year, including a rise in mental-health-related calls that are not crimes but occupy deputy time.
The presentation included several metrics: more than 4,700 volunteer hours contributed by sheriff volunteers, a 115% increase in parking citations compared with earlier reference periods, and part one response times that have hovered around five minutes (cited as roughly 5:11 in 2024 and 5:12 in 2025). McGovern said the city had planned to add two deputies over two contract years and has added one; the staff recommendation is to add the second deputy in the coming contract year to address population growth in newer neighborhoods.
McGovern framed the staffing addition as a response to growth in areas such as Foothill Ranch, Baker Ranch and Portola Hills and said additional deputies would improve coverage and response. Council members noted parking enforcement has increased in response to resident requests and that greater citation activity is aimed in part at clearing streets for street sweepers and safety.
What happens next: The contract was discussed in detail and will advance per staff recommendation; council members also approved broader legislative positions later in the meeting that relate to public-safety funding and oversight.
