Calabasas entered the era of community-based policing Thursday when it held the first meeting of its new Police Advisory Committee.
The committee, made up of representatives from the community, city government and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was created to tailor a law enforcement program for the city. "We want a sharper focus on community concerns," Councilman Marvin Lopata said.
The city contracts with the Sheriff's Department for police services, spending nearly 40% of its annual budget on law enforcement.
But Lopata said he wants residents to think of deputies as local police officers, not as outside contractors. To that end, the committee hopes to organize foot patrols and community events so residents know and recognize deputies. Sheriff's Capt. Don Mauro said similar committees exist in other communities around the county.
