The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for all of its law enforcement needs. Lieutenant Brian Schmutz serves as Chief of Police Services responsible for the day-to-day operation of law enforcement services in the City. Lieutenant Schmutz manages a staff of five Sergeants, one Investigator, one and one/third Investigative Assistants, nineteen Deputies (Traffic, Motor, Patrol, and DET), two Special Enforcement Team (SET) Deputies, two Community Service Officers, and one Administrative Secretary.
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, along with parking enforcement. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department provides the City with further specialized units when necessary including Canine Patrol, Computer Crimes, Economic Crimes, Forensic Science Services, Gang Enforcement, Hazardous Devices, Helicopter Patrol, Homicide Detail, Major Accident Reconstruction Team, Mounted Patrol, Narcotics Detail, Sex Crimes, Family Violence, Tactical Support Team/Hostage Negotiations, and Terrorism Early Warning Group. Additional information regarding the Orange County Sheriff’s Department can be accessed on their website at www.ocsd.org.
Rancho Santa Margarita is recognized as one of the safest cities in California. The City is dedicated in its crime fighting strategy, as well as maintaining an atmosphere of community. There are a variety of community policing programs available to residents and businesses in the City. Police Services encourages you to participate in these programs and aid in our endeavor to preserve the quality of life in Rancho Santa Margarita. Together we can continue to make this City a place where people want to live, work and play. Please call 949.635.1819 for additional information regarding our Police Services programs and services.
Business Watch - An information and awareness program formulated to help businesses protect themselves and each other from victimization. Additionally, Business Watch members are alerted to crime patterns that may affect them.
Neighborhood Watch - This crime prevention program enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. This program involves neighbors getting to know each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance; training residents to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods; and implementation of crime prevention techniques.
Explorer Program - This program provides young adults (age 14-20) with the opportunity to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Rancho Santa Margarita. Through weekly meetings, Explorers can develop their leadership skills and learn firsthand the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement. In addition to gaining a working knowledge of police work, the participants have an opportunity to give back to their community through this volunteer program. For additional information, call the Explorer Post Toll-Free Number at 1-866-POST-449.
Citizen's Emergency Preparedness Academy - This program provides instruction in basic skills to help citizens help themselves and their neighbors until emergency workers or other assistance can arrive in the event of a disaster. The program is offered free of charge and consists of eight classes during a two month time period. Participants will receive training in areas such as fire safety, disaster medical operations including CPR, first aid, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and natural and man-made hazards. For additional information, call 949.635.1809.
Guest Speakers/Presentations - Experienced police personnel are available for presentations on crime-related topics including: personal safety, burglary, shoplifting, robbery, fraud, employee theft, work-place violence, and Business and Neighborhood Watch.
Vacation Home Checks - A service provided free of charge which involves a physical check of the residence to insure no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with while you are away or on vacation. For additional information, call 949.635.1819.
Child Safety Seat Inspections - A service provided free of charge by appointment only to explain the new Child Safety Seat laws and inspect or assist you with your child’s car seat or booster seat installation. Please call 949.425.1801 to schedule an appointment. This service is currently offered at the Aliso Viejo Substation located at 11 Journey in Aliso Viejo.
Proof of Corrections - 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 - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
