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5 Major Updates: Inside The Los Altos Police Department’s Shift To High-Tech Policing And New Leadership

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The Los Altos Police Department (LAPD) is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a change in command and the adoption of cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety. As of late 2025, the department is focused on balancing its traditional community-oriented policing model with modern, high-tech tools to address evolving public safety challenges in the affluent Silicon Valley community.

This deep dive into the LAPD, updated for December 2025, reveals a department led by a new, local-native Chief and a strategic move toward utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as police drones, to boost situational awareness and officer safety. The department continues its commitment to transparent, high-quality service, even as it navigates a slight increase in overall crime rates driven primarily by property-related offenses.

The New Era: Chief Saskia Lagergren’s Complete Profile and Biography

The leadership of the Los Altos Police Department transitioned recently, ushering in a new era under a Chief with deep roots in the community. The appointment of a local native signals a strong commitment to maintaining the city's unique quality of life and safety standards.

  • Name: Saskia Lagergren
  • Current Position: Chief of Police, Los Altos Police Department (LAPD)
  • Appointment Date: June 3, 2024
  • Predecessor: Angela Averiett
  • Hometown: Los Altos, CA (Los Altos native)
  • Experience: Over 21 years of extensive experience in policing.
  • Previous Affiliation: Implied to have served with the Santa Clara Police Department prior to her appointment.
  • Key Focus: Working closely with City Manager Gabriel Engeland to ensure Los Altos remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Chief Lagergren’s tenure is focused on leveraging her deep understanding of the Los Altos community with her extensive law enforcement expertise. Her leadership is seen as a pivotal step in modernizing the department while preserving its community-first approach.

1. High-Tech Policing: The Los Altos Police Drone (UAS) Program

One of the most significant recent developments is the full implementation of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program, or police drones. This initiative was unanimously approved by the City Council and is designed to provide immediate, critical information to officers before they arrive on a scene, greatly enhancing safety and efficiency.

The LAPD’s adoption of this technology places it at the forefront of modern policing in the region. The department’s policy manual, updated in September 2025, outlines strict guidelines for the use of the drones, emphasizing the protection of lives and property as the core mission.

How the UAS Program is Utilized

  • Enhanced Situational Awareness: Drones collect real-time visual information on developing incidents, such as active crime scenes or traffic accidents.
  • Search and Rescue: They are a vital tool for locating missing persons in difficult-to-access areas.
  • Critical Incidents: Providing aerial oversight during high-risk scenarios, including SWAT operations and managing large-scale events.
  • AB 481 Compliance: The department adheres to Assembly Bill 481, which requires annual reporting and public transparency on the inventory and use of military equipment, including the UAS technology.

This technological leap is a key element of the current police strategy, aiming to reduce response times and increase the safety of both officers and the public. The department is committed to transparency regarding its use of this new equipment.

2. Analyzing Los Altos Crime Statistics and Trends for 2025

Los Altos remains one of the safest communities in the Bay Area, generally receiving an "A" grade for its low crime score. However, recent data highlights a critical shift in the types of crimes reported, which is driving new LAPD strategies.

Key Crime Data Points

  • Overall Crime Rate: The year-over-year crime rate has seen an increase of approximately 9.8%.
  • Violent Crime: Encouragingly, violent crimes have decreased by 13%. This includes offenses like assault and robbery.
  • Property Crime Surge: The primary driver of the overall increase is property crime, which has risen by 11.5%. This category includes burglary, theft, and vehicle break-ins.
  • Economic Impact: The total projected cost of crime in Los Altos for 2025 is estimated to be over $13.9 million, equating to approximately $980 per household.

The focus for the LAPD is now heavily weighted toward proactive crime prevention and community engagement to combat the rise in property crimes. Targeted patrols and public awareness campaigns are central to the strategy to protect residents' assets.

3. Los Altos Police Department Structure and Community Engagement

The Los Altos Police Department operates as a full-service law enforcement agency, structured to provide comprehensive protection and support to the city's population of over 31,000 residents. The department employs 32 sworn peace officers and 15 professional civilian staff, forming a dedicated team.

Organizational Divisions and Key Functions

The LAPD’s functional structure ensures all aspects of law enforcement and public safety are covered, from emergency response to administrative support.

  • Operations Division (Patrol): The backbone of the department, split into four Patrol Teams (Sergeant, Corporal, and Officers) assigned to dayshift or nightshift to ensure 24/7 coverage.
  • Support Services: Manages the 9-1-1 Communications Center (Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP), Records, and Property & Evidence.
  • Investigations: Dedicated to solving complex crimes, including property crime and fraud, which are a major focus in 2025.
  • Specialized Units: Includes the Reserve Officer Program, Emergency Operations, and a tactical SWAT team for high-risk situations.
  • Administration: Handles internal affairs, training, and strategic planning under the Chief's direction.

Key Community Services and Initiatives

Community policing is a cornerstone of the LAPD’s philosophy, with several programs designed to foster trust and collaboration.

  • Crime Prevention Programs: Offering tips and alerts to the community regarding current crime trends, especially scams and property crime prevention.
  • Pack the Patrol Car: An annual charity event where the public donates goods to fill a patrol car, fostering goodwill and support.
  • MasterCarver Event: The Annual Police Pumpkin Event, a fun, family-friendly activity that strengthens police-community bonds.
  • Business Watch & Neighborhood Watch: Programs that encourage residents and business owners to actively participate in the safety of their areas.

The Los Altos Police Department continues to evolve, embracing new technologies like the UAS system and adapting its strategies to manage the shift in crime patterns. Under Chief Lagergren's leadership, the department is positioned to maintain Los Altos' reputation as a safe, high-quality community well into 2026 and beyond.

5 Major Updates: Inside the Los Altos Police Department’s Shift to High-Tech Policing and New Leadership
los altos police department
los altos police department

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