The Lompoc Police Department could soon expand its footprint as local officials discussed a proposal that would have Lompoc provide contract police services to Solvang — and potentially Buellton — beginning next year.
The discussion was held despite mayoral backlash over what was characterized as the department’s failed Fourth of July holiday fireworks ticket program.
The contract concept, presented during the July 7 Lompoc City Council meeting by Police Chief Kevin Martin and Management Services Director Bob Cross, would establish a regional policing model where Lompoc officers would be assigned full-time to neighboring cities while remaining part of a single department…