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Rancho Santa Margarita

Captain Mihaela Kennedy serves as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.

On January 1, 2000, Rancho Santa Margarita became the 33rd city in Orange County. Nestled against the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, the city has a population of approximately 49,704 and covers approximately 15 square miles. Rancho Santa Margarita has more than 1,700 acres of dedicated open space, including a 13-acre community lake and nine community parks. Located between Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza, the city is master planned to offer employment, schools, shopping, recreational amenities and a wide variety of housing.

More than 50% of Rancho Santa Margarita is planned as open space and recreational facilities including the picturesque lake and beach club with a swim lagoon, miles of pedestrian and bicycle paths and the popular Tijeras Creek Golf Club. The city also offers several schools, including Santa Margarita Catholic High School, day care centers, a long list of places of worship and a neighborhood shopping center.

Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for all law enforcement needs. The Sheriff's Department is responsible for public safety and general law enforcement within the city, including patrol services, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations and crime prevention.

Sheriff's Non-Emergency Dispatch: 714-647-7000 or 949-770-6011
A direct phone line to Sheriff’s Dispatch is also located outside the City Hall Lobby Entrance.

Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services:  949-635-1817