LAKE FOREST : City to Join Study of Regional Policing

Lake Forest will be the sixth municipality in South County to participate in a study looking at the formation of a regional police force.

The City Council has voted to spend $15,000 to participate in the study, which will audit services provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as well as research the cost and operations of a regional police department that could patrol several South County communities.

Like other cities participating in the survey, Lake Forest has no complaints about the contract service currently being provided by the Sheriff’s Department, Mayor Helen Wilson said, but is “entering the study to look at the costs.”

South County leaders say the financially strapped county prompted the search for law enforcement alternatives by raising the cost of several services that had previously been given free or for a nominal fee. In particular, criticism was leveled at new charges for booking prisoners in County Jail and providing helicopter units.

Costs for providing police protection in some contract cities has risen dramatically. About $1.6 million was spent in Dana Point in 1988, the year before the city incorporated. Last year, the city spent $3.8 million for police services.

Other cities helping to fund the study, which is expected to cost $69,000, are Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano. The police services audit will be conducted by Hughes, Heiss & Associates of Pasadena.