Today, Altadena Sheriff Station welcomes its new captain, Steven McLean.
A 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept., McLean joined the station last fall and has been taking over the duties of now-retired Capt. Roosevelt Blow. McLean already boasts the arrest of 11 theft suspects and a reduction of 56% in theft reports around town under his watch.
McLean credits the reduction and arrests to a modified strategy, as well as aggressive work by patrol deputies and detectives.
As captain, McLean says that his top three priorities are:
1. "Community relations, developing community partnerships."
2. "Reduce all crime."
3. "Enhance our service to the community."
Part of the community relations work includes the community walk on April 3, where deputies and volunteers will fan out into neighborhoods in west Altadena to share information on preventing thefts from homes and automobiles.
Another top priority for McLean is attacking the gang problem. McLean says that gang crimes are significantly down -- "because so many gang leaders are in jail"-- but that's not enough.
"My position is that one gang member in Altadena is one gang member too many," McLean said. "I worked gangs in East LA. I have zero tolerance for gangs, period.
"My philosophy towards crime is to be aggressive, and respect the rights and dignity of everyone involved."
McLean says that part of his plan is to "get off my butt, get out from behind the desk, and go out in the community" by working a a couple of patrols a week.
McLean's law enforcement career includes stints as training lieutenant, watch commander, special weapons and tactics, and being an executive aide to Sheriff Lee Baca.
McLean holds an AS Degree in Administration of Justice, a BS Degree in Occupational Studies, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice (Homeland Security), and has completed 1 year of law school. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA.McLean is the recipient of the Medal of Valor Award, Distinguished Service Award, Exemplary Service Award, and the Quality Service Award. Lieutenant McLean has also been recognized by the Board of Supervisors as well as numerous commendations by members of the communities where he's served.
He has been married for 12 years and has two daughters.
