FAQs • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • CivicEngage

What is the law regarding car seats for children?: No driver shall transport any child in a motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system (approved car sea) unless the child is 8 years of age or older and the vehicle seat belt fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat.

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Police Services

1. Does Rancho Santa Margarita have its own police department?: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for all of its law enforcement needs. The Sheriff’s Department is responsible for providing for the protection of citizens, the enforcement of laws and crime prevention. Law enforcement services include patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, traffic accident analysis and investigation, parking enforcement, and the use of specialized units when necessary.

2. Whom do I call to find out the status of a case currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department?: The Investigation Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is located in Lake Forest and can be reached at 949-206-6192.

3. How can I get a restraining order?: Restraining orders are issued by a Superior Court Judge. For further information, call 714-935-7956. Orange County Superior Court Website

4. How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood?: Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed under the "E-services" section of the Orange County Sheriff's Department website. The Sheriff's Blotter enables residents to know what activity is occurring in their communities by time, type of call, and location. You can view what has happened within the past 7 days or the past 30 days. The data is taken from the official calls for service records kept by the Sheriff's Department. You can also review crime statistics in which you can search "crime by area" which includes city or street. Orange County Sheriff's Department Website

5. Can I get livescan fingerprints done at the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter?: Unfortunately, the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter is not equipped to take LiveScan fingerprints. The closest Orange County Sheriff’s facility that offers this service is the Lake Forest station located at 20202 Windrow, Lake Forest, 92630. Fingerprinting via LiveScan is by appointment only; please call Investigations at 949-206-6100. The cost is $10 for the first card and $1 for each additional card. You will need to bring a valid picture I.D. and the exact change. Map Directions to Sheriff's Office Substation

6. Where can I get a proof of correction signed?: In the event that you received a citation for a violation that requires evidence of the violation correction and/or vehicle inspection, Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services is available to provide "Proof of Correction" citation sign-off at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Will Police Services conduct a welfare check of a residence?: Yes, you will need to provide us with the telephone number and address of the residence and your telephone number if you would like to be contacted regarding the disposition of the welfare check. Please call Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to request the welfare check.

8. I’m going on vacation. Can the police come by and check on my home while I am away?: Yes, Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services offers a service provided free of charge which involves a physical check of your residence to ensure no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with while you are away or on vacation. For additional information, call Police Services at 949-635-1817 or complete the form on the City’s website.
Vacation Patrol Request Form (PDF)

9. What is the law regarding car seats for children?: No driver shall transport any child in a motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system (approved car sea) unless the child is 8 years of age or older and the vehicle seat belt fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat.

10. Where can I get my child’s car seat inspected?: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) located at 32951 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 92675, has a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who can inspect or assist Rancho Santa Margarita residents with their child’s car seat or booster seat installation. This free service is provided by appointment only by calling 949-487-4000.

11. Where can I get information about Megan’s Law?: Information regarding Megan’s Law can be obtained by visiting the Megan's Law website. Megan's Law Website

12. Who can answer my questions about drugs and gangs?: The Deputies assigned to the Orange County Sheriff's Department Community Programs Detail are available to answer questions related to drug use and gang involvement. They can be reached at 714-647-4133. You may also anonymously report gang activity by calling 800-NO-GANGS (800-664-2647).

13. Where can I get information regarding massage establishment and technician licensing requirements in Rancho Santa Margarita?: Please visit the Massage Establishment Information webpage or call Development Services at 949-635-1807 for additional information. Massage Establishment Information