Santa Fe Springs Police: Vehicle Lights & April 2026 Update

Santa Fe Springs, California, will establish its own police department, ending a nearly three-decade-long contract with the Whittier Police Department, city officials announced on April 29, 2026. The move, approved by the Santa Fe Springs City Council, aims to create a more responsive, community-focused public safety model tailored to the city’s specific needs and priorities.

The city has contracted with the Whittier Police Department for law enforcement services since 1995. In that year, the annual contract cost was $3.7 million. The current contract totals $18,122,932, according to a statement from city officials.

Currently, 34 sworn personnel from the Whittier Police Department are assigned to Santa Fe Springs. Prior to the Whittier contract, the city relied on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for police services.

New Department Focus

The Santa Fe Springs Police Department will prioritize a “tech forward” and innovative approach to public safety, officials stated. Mayor Joe Angel Zamora emphasized that the decision to create a dedicated police force was not taken lightly.

“This was not a decision made lightly,” said Mayor Joe Angel Zamora. “After extensive review and discussion, the Council believes that establishing a Santa Fe Springs Police Department is the best long-term fiscally responsible approach to ensure exceptional, responsive, and community-focused public safety services that is built on a culture of inclusivity, positivity and hard work.”

Mayor Joe Angel Zamora

The city anticipates the new department will strengthen its identity and “invest in a public safety model that reflects the community’s values, priorities, and long-term vision,” according to the official announcement.

Start-up Costs

The estimated start-up costs for the Santa Fe Springs Police Department are $5 million, according to Raelene Barraza, public information officer for the Santa Fe Springs Department of Police and Community Services. The city aims to have the department fully operational by March 1, 2028.

The Department of Police Services is currently composed of City Administrative Personnel, Public Safety Officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and the Homelessness Engagement Team, who collaborate with Whittier Police Department personnel. Arlene Salazar currently serves as the Director of Police Services, bringing over 30 years of municipal government experience to the role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Business Administration.

The Department of Police Services’ mission is to provide high-quality public safety and law enforcement services through innovative community-police partnerships.