How do I obtain a copy of a crime, incident or traffic report? Please contact Sheriff's Support Services at (714) 834-6454 prior to mailing a request for a crime, incident or traffic report to determine the number of pages. The cost of obtaining a report is based upon the number of pages, at 15 cents per page. Mail requests to: P.O. Box 449, Santa Ana, CA 92702, Attention: Special Services. Please include your name, how you are involved with the case, the case number and a check or money order for the exact amount.
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 1-800-NO-GANGS (1-800-664-2647).
Is there a crime prevention program specific to businesses? Yes. Business Watch is a crime prevention program that is specifically focused on the business community in the City of Lake Forest to help reduce crimes. Business members can participate in this program at no cost or obligation. When your decide to join the Business Watch program, a member of the Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) will personally visit you and assist in completing the necessary paperwork to add you to the City's list of emergency contact information. This information is particularly valuable as it enables us to contact responsible parties, during non-business hours, should the need ever arise. Once you join, a Business Watch window decal that includes an individual identification number for your business will be provided and placed at the entrance to your business. This decal will demonstrate to your customers and other merchants that your business is actively involved in crime prevention in the City of Lake Forest. For a copy of the brochure that further explains Business Watch, or to schedule an appointment to sign up for this program, please call our Crime Prevention Specialist Kirsten Rowe at (949) 461-3546.
Are there crime prevention programs for neighborhoods? The Lake Forest Police Services Department provides a variety of crime prevention programs, including Neighborhood Watch and Watch Mail. The Watch Mail program uses e-mail to disseminate information regarding crime or suspicious activity.
If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Program, add your email address to our Watch Mail list, or learn about any of our crime prevention programs, please call our Crime Prevention Specialist, Meslisa Cavazos, at (949) 461-3456.
Are there crime prevention programs specific to businesses? Lake Forest Business Watch is a crime prevention program that is specifically focused on the business community in the City to help reduce crimes. Business members can participate in this program at no cost or obligation.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department provides police services for the City of Lake Forest. Their Community Policing and Crime Prevention programs can help you develop a comprehensive approach to safety for your business as well as the entire business community. Services provided by the Crime Prevention Unit include security surveys, employee safety meetings, personal safety programs for employees, and training in robbery procedures. For more information on the Business Watch Crime Prevention Program, please call our Crime Prevention Specialist, Melisa Cavaso, at (949) 461-3456.
What types of crime prevention programs are available in Lake Forest? Crime prevention programs include Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Business Checks and Home Security Checks, along with community events and school resources. For more information, please call our Crime Prevention Specialist, Melisa Cavazos, at (949) 461-3546.
How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood? Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed at the Orange County Sheriff's Department website, clicking on eServices, crime stats.
How do I report a crime? In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency situations, please contact Sheriff's dispatch at (949)770-6011 to report a crime.
Are there crime prevention programs for neighborhoods?
Yes. The Lake Forest Police Services Department provides a variety of crime prevention programs including Neighborhood Watch and Watch Mail. The Watch Mail program uses e-mail to disseminate information regarding crime or suspicious activity. If your street is not involved in Neighborhood Watch, if you would like to add your e-mail address to our Watch Mail list, or if you would like to learn about any of our other crime prevention programs, please call our Crime Prevention Specialist at (949) 461-3546.
Can I park my motor home (RV) on a residential street? The City's Oversize Vehicle Ordinance prohibits vehicles that exceed 22 feet in length, 7 feet in height, or more than 2 axles, from parking in residential areas. Recreational Vehicles are defined as a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, camping trailer, or a similar vehicle, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy.
Under the Oversize Vehicle ordinance, delivery vehicles, vehicles undergoing emergency repairs, or vehicles loading or unloading for a maximum of 72 hours (including RVs) are exempted.
Can I park my trailer in the street?
At no time can an unattached trailer be parked on a public roadway; it must always be attached to a vehicle.
How can I learn to properly install my child's safety seat? Every safety seat and vehicle is different. Read and refer to the seat instruction, as well as your vehicle owners manual, and always follow the recommendations. Get your child safety seat inspected by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician if you need assistance.
The Lake Forest Police Services Department offers free child safety seat inspections for residents of Lake Forest. To schedule an appointment, contact Community Services Officer, Aubrey Dietrich, at (949) 461-3543.
How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood? Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed at the Orange County Sheriff's Department website, clicking on eServices, crime stats.
How do I contest a parking ticket?
Please refer to the back of the citation. An explanation of the process to contest the citation is printed on the reverse side of the citation.
How do I obtain a copy of a crime, incident or traffic report?
Please contact Sheriff's Support Services at (714) 834-6454 prior to mailing a request for a crime, incident or traffic report to determine the number of pages. The cost of obtaining a report is based upon the number of pages, at 15 cents per page. Mail requests to: Attention: Special Services P.O. Box 449, Santa Ana, CA 92702. Please include your name, how you are involved with the case, the case number and a check or money order for the exact amount.
How do I report a crime?
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency situations, please contact Sheriff's dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to report a crime.
How do I report graffiti?
To report graffiti, simply call the City of Lake Forest graffiti hotline at (949) 461-3583 (24-hour voice mail available). Please provide either an address or the cross streets where the graffiti is located.
How long does it take for graffiti to be covered once it is reported?
Graffiti located on public property or private property visible from the public right-of-way is covered within 24 hours. Property owners are notified if graffiti is located on private property but is not visible from the public right-of-way.
How old do you have to be to drive a motorized scooter?
To drive a motorized scooter, the driver must be 16 years old and possess a valid California Driver's license. In addition, drivers must always wear helmets.
Is it appropriate to install a safety seat using both the LATCH system and safety belt? The two duplicate the same function. It should not be necessary to use both. The system that provides the tightest, most secure installation for the seat should be used. In few cases, this may be the safety belt, rather than the LATCH system..
Is there a crime prevention program specific to businesses?
Yes. Business Watch is a crime prevention program specifically focused on the business community in the City of Lake Forest to help reduce crimes. Business members can participate in this program at no cost or obligation. When you decide to join the Business Watch program, a member of the Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) will personally visit you and assist in completing the necessary paperwork to add you to the City's list of emergency contacts. This information is particularly valuable as it enables us to contact responsible parties, during non-business hours, should the need ever arise. Once you join, a Business Watch window decal that includes an individual identification number for your business will be provided and placed at the entrance to your business. This decal will demonstrate to your customers and other merchants that your business is actively involved in crime prevention in the City of Lake Forest. For a copy of the brochure that further explains Business Watch, or to schedule an appointment to sign up for this program, please call us at (949) 461-3546.
What about using a used child safety seat? Avoid using used seats, especially if bought from a yard sale or thrift shop because you do not know the seat's history. Never use a seat that:
1. Is too old. Look on the label for the date the seat was made. Many manufacturers recommend that child safety seats only be used for a certain number of years. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long the company recommends using their seats.
2. Has any visible cracks in the frame of the seat.
3. Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
4. Does not come with instructions. You need to know how to use the seat properly. You can get a copy of the instruction manual by contacting the manufacturer or looking on the Internet.
5. Is missing parts. Used child safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street? If vehicles speeding on your street is a recurring issue, you may contact Sgt. Pat Higa at (949) 461-3542 to discuss options such as deploying a radar trailer equipped with speed display. You may also report any speeding issues through the City's Customer Relations Management Program.
What types of crime prevention programs are available in Lake Forest?
Crime prevention programs include Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Business Checks, community events and outreach at school safety programs. For more information, please contact (949) 461-3546.
Who can answer my questions about drugs and gangs?
You may contact (949) 461-3545 to ask questions related to drug use and gang involvement. You may also anonymously report gang activity by calling 1-800-NO-GANGS (1-800-664-2647).
