Advisory Committee

Are you aware that Santa Clarita has a group of concerned citizens that serve as a liaison between the community and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station? The Community Advisory Committee is not a civilian review board, but a group whose mission is to develop a better understanding between the Sheriff's Department and the residents of Santa Clarita through education and communication. They work closely with station personnel concerning law enforcement issues in our community.

Community Advisory Committee members are all classified as Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department volunteers. Each member undergoes an extensive background check and Sheriff’s Department approval prior to being appointed by the station captain to serve on the CAC. Also, many of the members receive extensive training through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. That training can include the Sheriff’s Department organizational structure, policies and procedures, complaint and commendation procedures, internal investigations, use of force, Peace Officer Bill of Rights, review of patrol training procedures, ride-a-longs with deputies to observe field operations, criminal justice system protocols, and crime trend analysis. Many members have even had the chance to receive additional department insight in areas such as the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), Contract Law, K-9, emergency management, the advanced Community Academy, the Arson Explosives Detail, and homeland security.

The Community Advisory Committee was formed in April 1993. Its members consult with the station captain and staff on matters relating to public safety and the community as follows:

• Assists in determining the law enforcement focus for the community.
• Represents the views of the community relating to law enforcement efforts, programs, needs and concerns.
• Advises the station on matters relating to public perception of law enforcement issues, services and performance.
• Enlists community support for local law enforcement activities.
• Educates the community on law enforcement protocols, needs and goals.
• Assists in identifying programs that are uniquely suited to the community's needs.
• Works towards establishing and maintaining community partnerships.
Over the years, some of the key accomplishments of the Community Advisory Committee have been the Teen Court program, establishing the local Crime-Tip Hotline, conducting Town Hall meetings, obtaining supplies for patrol vehicles and sponsoring the Community Academy. The committee presents an Outstanding Service Award to a member of both the sworn and professional staff of the station quarterly.


The committee wants to hear from you concerning what you feel the law enforcement issues are in our expanding Valley. The Community Advisory Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at the SCV Station. If you have a concern, you may contact any committee member by writing us at SCV LASD Community Advisory Committee, 23740 W. Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, e-mailing us at the links below, or calling the phone number provided.

Neil J. Fischer
Member Community Advisory Committee.

Seated, left to right: Wayne Lockwood; Nick Callas; Captain Anthony La Berge; Lt. Steve Low, Coordinator; Neil Fischer, Chairman. Standing, Left to Right: Mitch Aronson; Dan Halstead, Secretary; Juan Alonso; Mucgaek Wukdubg; Patrick Raach; Ed Plevack; Fred Berson; Terry Sonntag; Chris Regan; Ryan Wasson, City Rep.; Dan Schlender, Vice Chairman

Contact the Community Advisory Committee:

• Neil Fischer -- Chairman
• Truman Van Dyke -- Vice Chairperson
• Dan Halstead -- Secretary
• Lt. Robert Lewis -- Station Advisor

661-255-1121 ext. 4025