When the City of Irvine was incorporated on December 28, 1971, the Orange County Sheriff's Department provided the City's police services during the first year. In September 1972, Irvine contracted with the City of Costa Mesa to provide the City's policing services for the next three years.

On July 1, 1975, the Irvine Police Department was formed under the command of Leo E. Peart, the first Chief of Police. Chief Peart commanded a Department of 36 sworn police officers and 10 non-sworn employees. He instilled within the Department a philosophy of community service based on a "spirit of the law" concept.

The new Department responded to 64,019 calls for service in its first year while serving the 39,651 residents of Irvine community. The first Irvine Police Department station was housed in a portable trailer on Verano Place adjacent to what is now Campus Plaza.

The 24 vehicles of the Irvine Police Department were distinguished by their distinctive green and blue racing stripes over the top of the white cars. The cars were meant to provide easy visibility to the public while preserving the City's official colors.

 
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