Sheriff’s Staff Scaled Back at Marina del Rey Substation

Budget woes have forced the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to reduce command staff and some operations at the Marina del Rey substation despite concerns about the potential impact on crime in the harbor area.

Capt. Walt Lanier tried last week to reassure members of the county Small Craft Harbor Commission that the consolidation with the Lennox station south of Inglewood will not result in a reduction of service. “We are not about to neglect the marina in any way, shape or form,” he said.

But deep budget cuts have forced the department to shift one captain, three lieutenants and nine sergeants from the marina. Five deputy positions that have been empty will not be filled, overtime will be sharply restricted and the marina jail facility has been closed.

Suspects will have to be taken to the Lennox station for booking. Lanier disputed suggestions made by marina residents last month that the trip to Lennox would keep deputies off the street for two hours or more.

Members of the harbor commission, an advisory body appointed by the Board of Supervisors, last month objected to the reduction in Sheriff’s Department staffing at the county-owned marina.

Commissioner Carole Stevens expressed concern that the shift would leave fewer deputies on duty at a time when the county is planning a promotional campaign to sell the marina as a safe place for tourists and business people.

Lanier said he doubts that residents of the marina will be able to notice any change in the level of law enforcement.

The cuts were prompted by a $90-million shortfall in the department’s budget for the new fiscal year. “We are in some pretty unusual times, and some unusual measures have to be taken,” Lanier said.

The unincorporated View Park-Ladera Heights area, which is patrolled from the Marina substation, also will be affected by the consolidation. But Lanier sought to reassure residents of the area. “We’re not going to allow any lessening of service,” he said.