Southeast : Sheriff’s Deputies in Bellflower to Move to New Substation

In less than two years, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in Bellflower have outgrown their parkside home and will soon relocate to the city’s commercial hub.

After a 3-2 vote by the City Council this week, deputies are planning to move their substation located in the 16600 block of Clark Avenue to a larger space about a mile east in the 16600 block of Bellflower Boulevard.

The substation, opened in early 1994 with city revenues from a new utilities tax, houses at least nine full-time deputies and many part-time deputies.

Two council members opposed the move because it will cost the city an additional $36,000 a year to rent the 7,200-square-foot storefront office. The station has stayed rent-free in a 2,000-square-foot, city-owned facility next to John Simms Park.

Bellflower public safety director Lee Mingle said the relocation will put officers in a better position to handle citizens’ complaints. It will also provide a more noticeable police presence for local businesses, he said.

“I think the result will be increased [police] visibility,” Mingle said.