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Programs & Services
Automated License Plate Readers
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, also known as License Plate Recognition, provides automated detection of license plates. ALPRs are used by Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) Police Services (Orange County Sheriff's Department) to convert data associated with vehicle license plates for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates, and missing persons. ALPRs may be used to gather information related to active warrants, homeland security, electronic surveillance, suspect interdiction, and stolen property recovery.
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita joins 12 of 13 OCSD contract partner cities that lease or own ALPR cameras. In Orange County, several local law enforcement agencies also use ALPR technology. Police departments worldwide, including the Orange County Sheriff's Department, have successfully utilized Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems to assist with locating stolen or wanted vehicles for many years.
ALPR technology captures digital images of license plates on vehicles as they pass cameras strategically located throughout the City. License plates are quickly scanned and cross-checked against a law enforcement database, and an alert is sent to law enforcement if a vehicle is identified as stolen or wanted. They can also send alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected. ALPR Cameras are not used for speed or traffic enforcement and are not a citation tool.
More information about ALPR technology can be found at FlockSafety.com.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita Administrative Regulation 500-05
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Business Watch
Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services is committed to working in partnership with our local businesses to prevent crime. Modeled after the widely recognized Neighborhood Watch program, Business Watch encourages businesses to work together and with law enforcement to prevent crime in the business community. This cooperative program is successful because owners and employees watch out for each other, share information on emerging crime trends and help develop crime prevention strategies. Together we can make a successful crime fighting team.
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Cyber Safety
Rancho Santa Margarita's Child Safety Deputy is available to provide presentations regarding cyber safety and anti-bullying.
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Emergency Preparedness
Although emergencies cannot be prevented, steps are in place to help mitigate the impact of disaster in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Explorer Program
This program provides young adults (age 14-21) with the opportunity to assist the Orange County Sheriff's Department in Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Guest Speakers / Presentations
Experienced police personnel are available to deliver presentations on crime-related topics.
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Hate Crime Information
Access the Orange County Human Relations website for information on how to report a hate crime, victim assistance resources and programs.
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Megan's Law
Learn more about California's Megan's Law, which provides the public with certain information on the whereabouts of sex offenders so that members of our local community may protect themselves and their children.
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Neighborhood Watch
This crime prevention program enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their neighborhood.
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Orange County Crime Stoppers
Orange County Crime Stoppers allows citizens to anonymously report potential criminal activity and/or supply information regarding suspects of crimes.
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Parking Citation Payments & Information
Check the status of your citation and pay online using the Citation Processing Center website.
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Proof of Correction Sign-Off
You can attain a "proof of correction" at City Hall / Police Services.
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Review Crime Statistics
Search "crime by area" and review crime statistics to compare crime type frequencies against last year as well as year-to-date totals.
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Safety & Crime Prevention Resources
Find links to safety-related brochures and websites.
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Sheriff's Department Ride Along Program
Find information related to the OCSD Ride Along Program in Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Vacation Home Checks
Vacation home checks are provided free of charge and involves a physical check of the residence to ensure that no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with while you are away on business or vacation.
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Citizens Academy
Hello welcome to RSM Police Services Citizens Academy Page
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Above The Inflluence
Above The Influence is a six-week substance abuse prevention program for fifth and sixth-grade students taught by deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The curriculum satisfies most state standards for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.
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Project 529 Bike Registration Program
Project 529 is a community-based bike registration program designed to help reduce bike theft. It allows cyclists to register their bikes online, making it easier for law enforcement and the community to identify and recover stolen bikes. The program provides a unique identification sticker for each bike, acting as a deterrent to thieves and aiding in the return of lost or stolen bicycles.