Finalist, 2000 James Q. Wilson Award for
Excellence in Community Policing

Since 1973, the Santa Ana Police Department has demonstrated a unique ability to forge partnerships with its residents and local business leaders to reduce crime and disorder in the community. The department’s Community Oriented Policing (COP) programs continue to provide an effective forum for citizen participation, community feedback, and support for law enforcement operations. These partnerships with the community form the cornerstone for the entire department’s policing efforts.

Problem Solving – The Santa Ana Police Department regards problem solving as an essential component of its community oriented policing philosophy. The department employs a problem solving approach to proactively address the causes of crime rather then dealing with the results of crime. The department’s problem solving approach helps to facilitate a partnership between the police department and the community. The Minnie/Standard Street Community Policing Enhancement Program is an example of this problem solving approach. The program is a collaborative effort between the department, a community coalition, and public and private entities, to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood and to significantly reduce the concerns and issues of the residents living in this crime ridden area.

Partnership with the Community – In partnership with the community, the Santa Ana Police Department designed, built, and financed a new Police Administration & Jail facility. This building is a symbol of justice, strength, and integrity for the City of Santa Ana, and serves as the foundation for the police department’s community oriented policing philosophy. The 501,200-square-foot building was designed with the philosophy of "Santa Ana citizens first." The facility has provided the department with the capability to enhance community services while continuing to increase the efficiency of the personnel working in the facility.

Partnership with Public and Private Organization – The department encourages active participation from the community, government, businesses, and public and private agencies in forging constructive and thriving partnerships that address both criminal and quality of life issues.

Institutionalization – The organization continues to implement its philosophy by providing its officers with training on community policing and problem solving methods. This training begins in the academy, continues through field officer training, and is incorporated into in-service training. Additionally, the department has integrated its philosophy into all phases of the promotional testing process, thus providing a system of incentives that encourages participation in community oriented policing and problem solving.

Results - The Santa Ana Police Department, through its commitment to Community Oriented Policing practices and the use of new and innovative policing strategies, has reduced crime in the City by over 60%. The department has also forged productive and successful partnerships with residents and with public and private organizations that are stakeholders in the community.

For additional information:

Email: Corporal Tony Bertagna
Agency website: Santa Ana Police Department