Lomita Sheriff Station, Capt Dan Beringer

Capt Dan Beringer, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was recently promoted to Captain and assigned to the Lomita Station, which provides law enforcement services to Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Lomita and adjacent unincorpo­rated communities. He worked at the Lomita Station early in his career before other assignments in the Department. He has a BS in Criminal Justice from CSU Long Beach. He lives in Orange County with his wife (who grew up in Palos Verdes).

 

Capt Beringer reviewed recent nationally-publicized confrontations between law enforcement officers and citizens, including safety risks felt by officers in the field and the need for better communication between community activists and law enforcement. Crime rates have increased in the last 2 years, which he believes is related to the effects of Prop 47, which was designed to save money by releasing low-level criminals. The money saved was to be spent on drug rehab and other services to reduce crime, but this money has not been seen yet. The mentally ill population in jails has increased 46% in the last 2 years, and confinement with early release has become a revolving door for repeat offenders who have little to lose.

 

Cameras for license plate surveillance are being implemented in Palos Verdes, providing quick electronic notice when a stolen or wanted vehicle is identified. Local city contracts for law enforcement are more cost-effective than each city having its own individual police department. The Sheriff’s Department works with neighborhoods to improve home and business security precautions and reporting of suspected criminal activity. If you see anything suspicious, call 911.