Since 1992, the Santa Maria Police Department has developed and implemented a Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving (COPPS) philosophy of policing. The main premise of COPPS is understanding that the Police are a part of the Community, and the Community has a responsibility to assist the Police in improving the quality of life for everyone. We have developed many partnerships with individuals and Community groups to accomplish this goal. Therefore, the Community has direct participation in what we do, and we benefit from their help.

Community Policing intentionally links police officers with the people we protect and serve. In this regard, the Santa Maria Police Department allows our patrol personnel to volunteer to work in a specific geographical area, for an extended period of time. Those officers become familiar with the people who live and work in their "area," and the people become familiar with their assigned officer(s).

Since the Police Department has divided the City of Santa Maria into three geographical areas labeled "beats," we also have three Police Department Corporals and each one is assigned to a specific beat.

The Beat Coordinators are the Problem Solving Specialists in the Police Department. There are three "Beats" in Santa Maria, and one Beat Coordinator assigned to each Beat. A Beat is a geographical area, whose boundaries have been established based on the Department's calls for service. Each Beat Coordinator is responsible for creating solutions to problems in their assigned Beat, though often assist in all areas of the City when the problem is widespread. Whether they receive a complaint, or merely notice that a problem exists, they are experts in "fixing" most anything. Some of the most common problems are: abandoned vehicles, continual loud noises/music, constant trespassing, littering, malicious damage to private and public property, and neighborhood disputes. If there is any activity that you believe to be disruptive or illegal, it should be reported. If the activity continues, you will probably be referred to one of the Beat Coordinators. To help you further understand what Beat you live in, or have problems in, refer to the map and Beat Coordinator biographies links listed. You may then contact the Beat Coordinator directly responsible for your area.

COMMUNITY POLICING SUPERVISOR

CSU Sergeant Miguel Aguillon
Telephone (805) 928-3781 Ext. 529      Email

Sergeant Miguel Aguillon is a native of Santa Maria and is a 26 year law enforcement veteran. He has an AA Degree in Administration of Justice and his past assignments include Narcotics, K-9, School Resource Officer, Detective, Explorer Post Advisor and Field Training Officer. He is currently a member of the department's Crisis Negotiations Unit and was promoted to Sergeant in 2008. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and is currently serving as a member for the Santa Maria City Employee's Federal Credit Union.

BEAT ONE COORDINATOR     Beat One Map
Beat One covers all the areas North of East and West Fesler Street.

Corporal Eligio Lara
Beat One Coordinator
Telephone (805) 928-3781 ext. 599      Email

Corporal Eligio Lara was born in Mexico and is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. Corporal Lara has obtained an AA Degree in Criminology and is currently working on his Bachelors of Science in Criminology. Corporal Lara began his law enforcement career in 1992 and has worked for Lindsay PD, Tulare County SO, and Lompoc PD and joined the Santa Maria Police Department in 2002. Corporal Lara has worked such assignments as Patrol, Gang Suppression Team, Narcotic Suppression Team, Community Policing Unit, Field Training Officer, Detective Bureau, and currently a Beat Coordinator.

BEAT TWO COORDINATOR     Beat Two Map
Beat Two covers all the east-west areas between Fesler Street on the North and South to Stowell on the East and Morrison Avenue on the West.

Corporal Stephen Best
Beat Two Coordinator
Telephone (805) 928-3781 ext. 597      Email

Corporal Steve Best has lived in the Santa Maria area since 1976. He has about 20 years of law enforcement experience and has been with the Santa Maria Police Department since 1997. During his career, Corporal Best has been a Field Training Officer, Explorer Post Leader and Detective.

BEAT THREE COORDINATOR     Beat Three Map
Beat Three includes all areas south of Morrison on the West and Stowell Road on the East located within the City limits.

Corporal Jesus Valle
Beat Three Coordinator
Telephone (805) 928-3781 ext. 513 Email

Corporal Jesus C. Valle has lived in the Santa Maria area for 25 years. He is bi-lingual, speaking Spanish and English. Corporal Valle has 14 years of total law enforcement experience; over 12 with the Santa Maria Police Department. After graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1990, he served in the United States Marine Corps. He has attained an A.S. degree from Allan Hancock College and is currently working towards a B.A. from Chapman University. He has worked as a Patrol Officer, Motor Officer, Field Training Officer and currently as a Beat Coordinator. His goals are to continue working close with the community to gain their trust and cooperation in reducing crime and to help improve the quality of life for Santa Maria residents.