The South Patrol Bureau provides law enforcement services to the South County unincorporated communities of Emerald Bay, Trabuco Canyon, Coto De Caza, Ladera Ranch, Wagon Wheel Canyon, Las Flores, and the rural neighborhoods located along the Ortega Highway and in the Santiago, Trabuco, Rose Canyons districts. The operations of the Laguna Woods Police Services, the South Operations Traffic Office, and the administrative functions of the Aliso Viejo station are supervised by the South Patrol Bureau.

The unincorporated South County communities are diverse in nature and require special enforcement considerations. Four-wheel drive patrol vehicles are utilized in the rugged canyon areas and a bicycle patrol unit is deployed as needed. Two K-9 units are also assigned to the South Patrol Bureau for service throughout the South County region.

Additionally, South Patrol Bureau supports enforcement for special events conducted at the Oaks-Blenheim Arena.

Specialized Details within South Patrol Bureau

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

CIRT is trained to secure crime scenes and contain suspects on major incidents, aiding the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). 4 Deputies

Directed Enforcement Team

DET handles specific crime problems or concerns of south county communities 1 Sergeant, 1 Investigator, 9 Deputies

School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team (SMART)

SMART works in conjunction with school officials, probation, District Attorney and mental health agencies on incidents related to violence, threats, possession and/or use of weapons, unstable behaviors and suicidal actions or tendencies. 1 Sergeant, 1 Investigator, 2 Deputies

Juvenile Services Bureau (JSB)

JSB is charged with the investigation of juvenile crimes and runaways and administering the juvenile diversion program. 1 Sergeant, 8 Investigators

Major Accident Reconstruction Team (MART)

MART specializes in the investigation of major injury and fatal traffic collisions. 6 Sergeants, 12 deputies