The Los Alamitos Police Department (LAPD) is the cornerstone of public safety for the City of Los Alamitos, California, operating with a mission to provide the highest degree of professional police service in partnership with the community. As of December 15, 2025, the department is actively engaged in several key initiatives, including innovative recruitment strategies and robust community outreach programs, setting a clear standard for municipal law enforcement in Orange County. Residents and stakeholders are keenly focused on the department's leadership and its response to both local and regional safety challenges.
This in-depth article provides the freshest, most critical updates on the Los Alamitos Police Department, focusing on its current leadership, strategic moves in officer recruitment, and the most significant community engagement events that have defined their presence throughout 2025. The LAPD's commitment to community partnership remains the central theme of its operations, ensuring a safe and vibrant environment for the city's residents near Katella Avenue and beyond.
Meet the Leadership: Chief of Police Michael Claborn
The Los Alamitos Police Department is led by a Chief with deep roots in law enforcement and a clear vision for community-oriented policing. The current Chief of Police, Michael Claborn, has been a pivotal figure in guiding the department's strategic direction since his appointment.
- Name: Michael Claborn
- Current Role: Chief of Police, Los Alamitos Police Department
- Appointment: Appointed to the role, replacing the retiring Chief Eric Nunez. The recruitment process was managed by Teri Black & Co.
- Predecessor: Chief Eric Nunez, who retired after 30 successful years in law enforcement, including over five years as the Los Alamitos Chief.
- Background: Chief Claborn was born and raised in Huntington Park, California.
- Military Service: He enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1990, bringing a disciplined and service-oriented background to his leadership role.
- Vision: His leadership emphasizes that police officers are valued team members, whose initiative and contributions to the department and the community are highly appreciated.
- Key Focus: Under his command, the department has prioritized growth through innovative recruitment and strong community engagement.
1. Strategic Push: The New Police Recruitment Incentive Proposal
One of the most significant recent developments within the Los Alamitos Police Department is its aggressive approach to officer recruitment. Recognizing the competitive environment for qualified law enforcement personnel, the city council recently heard a proposal designed to grow the department's ranks.
The new recruitment incentive is specifically designed to encourage current Los Alamitos police officers to refer lateral hires—experienced officers from other agencies. This program aims to streamline the hiring process and attract proven talent, ensuring the department maintains its high standard of professional police service.
This focus on bolstering the police force is a strategic move to maintain low crime statistics and enhance the department's ability to serve the community, which includes the neighboring communities of Seal Beach and Cypress, often covered in regional crime and safety news.
2. Key 2025 Community Engagement and Outreach Events
The LAPD's commitment to partnership with the community is best demonstrated through its calendar of public safety and outreach events. These events are crucial for building trust, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring that officers are seen as accessible members of the Los Alamitos family.
National Night Out
The Los Alamitos Police Department hosted its annual "National Night Out" event in August 2025, welcoming the community for this nationwide public safety observance. This event is a cornerstone of the department's community initiatives, allowing residents to meet officers, see police vehicles and equipment, and discuss local safety concerns in a relaxed environment. Chief Claborn has been a strong proponent of these types of events, debuting new community initiatives during these gatherings.
Holiday Season Participation
The department actively participates in local holiday events, demonstrating its support for various community groups. In December 2025, LAPD personnel were present at events like the Seal Beach menorah lighting, put on by Chabad of Los Alamitos/Cypress, showcasing their dedication to serving the diverse community. Furthermore, the department ensures the community is well-informed about operational changes, such as the holiday closure schedule for public works and police department offices.
3. Recent High-Profile Incident: Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation
In March 2025, the Los Alamitos Police Department was indirectly connected to a high-profile regional incident, highlighting the interconnected nature of law enforcement in Orange County. A Los Alamitos man was arrested on suspicion of shooting at an off-duty Irvine Police Department officer.
While the arrest was made by the Irvine Police Department, the suspect's residence in Los Alamitos drew local attention. This incident underscores the necessity of inter-agency cooperation between the LAPD, Irvine PD, and other neighboring police departments. It also serves as a reminder of the complex public safety landscape that law enforcement agencies must navigate, addressing incidents that cross jurisdictional boundaries from Katella Avenue to the wider region.
4. Operational Details and Contact Information
The Los Alamitos Police Department maintains a central, accessible location for all its services, which are critical for the day-to-day safety of the city. Understanding these operational details is essential for residents seeking assistance or information.
- Location: 3201 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
- Non-Emergency Phone: 562-431-2255.
- Emergency Phone: 911.
- Lobby Hours: The police lobby is typically open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am.
- Core Mission: To provide the highest degree of professional police service in partnership with the Community.
5. The LAPD's Commitment to Officer Value and Initiative
Under Chief Claborn's leadership, the Los Alamitos Police Department has fostered a culture where its personnel are highly valued. The department emphasizes that its police officers are not simply numbers but are valued team members of both the department and the wider Los Alamitos community. This internal focus on appreciation and recognition for officer initiative and contributions is directly linked to the department's ability to provide superior law enforcement services.
This strategy of valuing and supporting their officers is a key driver behind the recruitment push and overall departmental success. By creating a positive work environment, the LAPD is better positioned to attract and retain the high-caliber talent necessary to maintain Los Alamitos as a safe and desirable place to live and work. The ongoing efforts in recruitment, community outreach (like National Night Out), and regional cooperation all point to a proactive and modern approach to policing in the City of Los Alamitos.
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