SANTA FE SPRINGS : Switch in Law Enforcement Agencies Moves Step Closer
The Santa Fe Springs City Council took the first step late Thursday toward canceling its contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and hiring the Whittier Police Department to patrol the city.
The council voted unanimously to begin negotiating a contract with Whittier officials, who have promised to cut Santa Fe Springs’ law enforcement costs by more than $500,000 annually should the city contract with their Police Department.
If an agreement is reached, the switch in law enforcement agencies would occur later this year, Santa Fe Springs City Manager Donald R. Powell said.
Powell said the city has been satisfied with the performance of sheriff’s deputies, who have patrolled the city for 37 years, but that officials wanted more control over law enforcement expenditures.
Sheriff Sherman Block offered some concessions if the city would renew its $4.2-million contract with the Sheriff’s Department. Among them was a 20% cap on future cost increases.
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