What Price Local Law Enforcement?

Looks as if we may be in for some changes in law enforcement here in Orange County.

At the north end, Yorba Linda is balking at the $400,000 raise the Brea Police Department says it needs to continue providing police services to the residents of Yorba Linda.

Yorba Linda wisely wants to study its options: 1) A new contract with the Brea Police Department; 2) A contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and 3) Forming its own police department.

At the south end, San Clemente (approved) a contract that would merge its Police Department with the Sheriff’s Department, provide its sworn officers with raises of $10,000 to $14,000, increase its street patrol officers by as much as 75% at night and 35% during the day and save the city $4 million in two years.

Since we all know what is said of the “deal that is too good to be true,” I’d like to make three suggestions: 1) San Clemente should take a hard look at where its law enforcement dollars have been spent; 2) Our county supervisors should take a hard look at Brad Gates’ offer to San Clemente; 3) Yorba Linda should postpone any decision in this regard until the dust clears.

FRANK J. GUARNERA

Laguna Beach