About

Police Department - A Brief History

Yesterday...

(Offered by Lt. George Pletts (Retired), who served from 1942 to 1973)

In 1942 the Laguna Beach Police Department had seven officers and one chief. Each officer worked 8 hours a day and received $140 per month in pay.  Officers were required to furnish their own leather gear, handcuffs, and weapons.  During the "war years" the officers worked 12 hour shifts with no overtime pay.

Officer Gordon French End of Watch:  February 13, 1953

The only Laguna Beach Police Officer killed in the line of duty was Officer Gordon G. French. On February 13, 1953 Officer French was in the process of booking a suspect on forgery charges, but not searched, into the Laguna Beach City Jail. During the booking process the suspect drew a concealed weapon and demanded Officer French give up his gun. French refused.  The suspect fired one round, which struck Officer French in the chest and killed him.  The suspect escaped and fled to Dana Point, where he committed suicide.

Officer French's name can be found on the Orange County Police Officer's Memorial in Santa Ana and on the California Police Officer's Memorial in Sacramento.

And Today...

The Laguna Beach Police Department has 50 sworn officers and 33 civilian employees. Unlike the days of yesterday, officers now attend a 22 week academy and prove themselves both physically and academically.   Prior to being sworn, the candidates must pass rigid physical and psychological testing, provide extensive background information, and pass a polygraph test.  After graduating from the academy, new officers must successfully complete a 16 week Field Training Program under the supervision of a qualified Field Training Officer. All leather gear, weapons and badges are provided by the city.

In keeping with the community policing philosophy Laguna Beach has a bike patrol, beach patrol, and foot patrol. The Laguna Beach Police Department was proud to have won the Best Uniforms Award for 1995.