Norwalk adds deputies to expand public safety efforts

NORWALK — The Norwalk City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved plans to expand its public safety efforts, which have been credited with lower crime rates compared to neighboring cities. 

Council members followed the recommendations from the Department of Public Safety and agreed to add four Norwalk Enforcement Team (NET) sheriff’s deputies and double the number of public safety sergeants from four to eight. 

Norwalk is also adding a Community Policing Team and Community Relations Team to the Department of Public Safety. 

“The City of Norwalk is committed to maintaining our streets safe for residents,” said Mayor Jennifer Perez. “Our job on the council is to prioritize the safety of our residents and businesses. That is why the city council approved the recommended public safety enhancements as an investment that we expect will positively impact our residents.” 

Earlier this year, the City Council authorized the addition of a second, full-time Homeless Operation Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) team to ensure Norwalk has dedicated engagement with the homeless population on city streets seven days a week, as well as a third traffic motor sheriff’s deputy. 

Interim director of public safety Dennis Kato was tasked with assessing the contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Norwalk’s Department of Public Safety to provide insight and recommendations on how to best utilize Measure P funds to improve public safety in Norwalk. 

With the approval, the department will now begin implementing the recommended enhancements. 

Norwalk’s approach to public safety is a unique balance of sworn law enforcement and trained civilian enforcement officers that work to keep Norwalk’s community safe. 

The goal of the Department of Public Safety is to provide visible patrols in high-crime locations to act as a deterrent but also maintain visibility and vigilance for the Sheriff’s Department.