Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station’s New Real Time Watch Center

Photos by Samantha Bravo

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station recently introduced its “Real Time Watch Center,” a pilot program designed to enhance public safety through advanced technology. Captain Jennifer Seetoo expressed gratitude to her department and explained how this initiative helps meet the growing demand for law enforcement. “Why a real-time watch center? Across the nation, the need for law enforcement is increasing, and we can’t hire enough officers to fill that gap. I believe we can bridge that gap with technology, and that’s what the Real Time Watch Center is all about,” Seetoo explained. Sheriff Luna highlighted the broader benefits of the program, noting that it could serve as a model for other counties. “This is a way to keep communities safer, not only from crime but also from natural disasters like fires, landslides, and mudslides,” Luna said.

Building trust within the community is key, Seetoo emphasized. “We have local business owners who trust us to livestream their cameras. This strengthens our relationships and helps protect the community.” Earlier this year, the department launched a camera registry program, allowing law enforcement to use private security footage to investigate crimes. Over 1,500 cameras have been registered, and more than 400 are integrated into the system. The Real Time Watch Center enables authorities to monitor footage and respond swiftly to incidents.