Sheriff’s Moorpark Division Gets New Leader : Personnel: Lt. Martin Rouse, 37, a 16-year veteran of the department, will replace Lt. Geoff Dean in heading the 20-member team.

A lieutenant for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, promoted just a month ago from sergeant, was named Thursday to take control of the department’s 20-member Moorpark division.

Lt. Martin Rouse, 37, will take over from Lt. Geoff Dean, who has headed the Moorpark law enforcement team since August, 1991. Dean is moving to a new assignment as an administrator at the new county jail on Todd Road near Santa Paula.

Rouse, a 16-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, has worked in Moorpark for more than four years. During that time he has served as patrol sergeant for the Moorpark division and last year was put in charge of the three detectives working in Moorpark.

He said he was looking forward to taking charge of the Moorpark division on Monday, but as yet was not planning any new initiatives.

“It already is a well-run department,” Rouse said. “I would like to sit back a little and see how it’s working before I try and change anything. I don’t want to change just for the sake of changing.”

Rouse had high praise for his former commanding officer--the two attended the police academy together--saying Dean was an innovative commander who worked well with the community and the deputies under him.

“(Dean) has a lot to be proud of here,” Rouse said. “He accomplished a tremendous amount. He’s been an effective leader and a personal friend to a lot of the deputies here, which not many commanders can do. I think the team spirit he developed here has made Moorpark a popular place (for deputies) to work.”

Rouse said one of his most important tasks will be to continue the good working relationship Dean established with the Moorpark City Council.

The city contracts with the Sheriff’s Department, which staffs the 20-member Moorpark enforcement team. Rouse said the city has made law and order a top priority, allocating more than 60% of the city’s operating budget to law enforcement. The city is now considering increasing the amount spent on law enforcement to more than 70% of the budget, or $2.6 million, to maintain the existing level of services next year.

Council members and City Manager Steve Kueny, who interviewed Rouse for the job, approved of the new appointment.

“He’s an excellent choice,” said Mayor Paul Lawrason. “He’s sat in for Dean at several City Council meetings, and while he served as patrol sergeant he was the person I spoke with if I had any questions about any incidents that occurred in the city. He’s a very bright professional. I’m really pleased.”

Rouse, who grew up in Santa Monica, said he loves Moorpark, where he has lived for nine years with his wife and two children. He said he planned to continue his community involvement, which includes volunteering for Moorpark’s annual Country Days celebration and for his local church.

“Part of what made (Dean) successful were the relationships he developed in the community,” Rouse said. “I’d like to see that continue. We want people to know that we have an open-door policy. Working out in the community, I feel, is the best crime prevention of all.”