About the Police Department
The police profession is a noble and honorable calling that requires integrity, honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serve our community. The Laguna Beach Police Department is made up of men and women who encompass these qualities. With a compliment of approximately 121 employees, 50 sworn and 71 civilian positions, the Laguna Beach Police Department handles close to 45,000 calls for service annually.
Under the direction and leadership of Chief Laura Farinella, the Department continues to look at ways to provide the best service to the residents of Laguna Beach. Such innovations as Intelligence-led policing allow officers to utilize data in order to better predict patterns of criminal activity and assign resources accordingly.
The Laguna Beach Police Department is comprised of five divisions; Field Services, Parking Services, Animal Services, Investigations and Support Services. Field Services is overseen by Captain Darin Lenyi and Investigations and Support Services is overseen by Captain Jason Kravetz. Civilian Services Supervisor Jim Beres oversees the Parking Services and the Animal Services Division. Under their leadership, Officers and civilians within the Police Department handle the daily tasks necessary to operate the Department and provide a high level of service to the citizens and visitors of Laguna Beach.
The Laguna Beach Police Department believes in a Community-based policing philosophy, which follows the principle that when communities and law enforcement engage in transparent communication and mutual cooperation, the community as a whole is better served. As a result, personnel from the department are involved in all aspects of community, including schools, neighborhoods and community organizations.