Lieutenant Don Barns
Chief of Police Services
(949) 461-3541

Lake Forest is located in South Orange County, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Diego. Formerly known as El Toro, the city has a population of 77,500 within 16.6 square miles. This recent increase in population and area is due to the formerly unincorporated areas of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills joining the city.

Incorporated on December 20, 1991, Lake Forest has seventeen parks, one high school, one intermediate school and nine elementary schools. In keeping with the city's rich tradition and history, its motto is "Lake Forest, Remember the Past – Challenge the Future." Lake Forest joins nine neighboring cities in South Orange County and two cities in North Orange County that contract with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement.

These programs include Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, Bicycle Patrol, School Liaison, Community Awareness and Pride and "Caught Being Good." These programs are designed to create and strengthen the partnership between residents and police in maintaining a safe, family oriented community.