Vista Sheriff Capt. John Malan spoke at a Town Hall hosted by District 4 Council member Dan O’Donnell, April 27, 2025. Vista is #1 in total arrests in the County; however, good news is that crime levels are down 12% against persons, 22% for property, and 18% drug arrests.
Safe Streets Vista Program – for success, a collaborative relationship with residents is critical. Residents can be of great assistance when they inform the Sheriff’s Dept. of their home-mounted cameras or Ring doorbells. It decreases the time to start investigations as evidence is needed in the first 48 hours. The Sheriff’s Dept. will never take video without the resident’s permission.
Pole-mounted camera – Capt. Malan showed a camera for use in parks and residential areas that would not be hidden and would record and retain activity for 30 days. The camera would record people when actively committing a crime. Cameras are moveable if residents have a concern about where the camera is mounted. Primary placement would be in areas with high crime activity. Cameras do not deter crime; they record it.
Cost per pole-mounted camera is $12,000. Dan O’Donnell stated that potential purchase, and how many, will be brought to Vista City Council for discussion and decision. Businesses and HOAs can also purchase cameras.
Automated License Plate Reader – Readers are utilized throughout Southern California, including San Marcos and Carlsbad. Vista has zero. The reader captures a picture of the license plate only and can then be seen in another city when a car has been taken. Cost is $3,000 per unit per year. This will be brought before the City Council.
Gunshot Detector (pole-mounted sensor) – The detectors detect only gunshots and would be mounted throughout the City; could eventually be on deputies’ phones. Detectors would be free to the City. There is a pilot program in San Marcos that would find the location of homemade fire- works. Gunshot detectors will also be discussed with City Council.
Drones – Vista currently has 4-5 drones. Future plan is the Vista Sheriff’s Dept. to have 1 drone pilot per shift.
