Santa Ana City Manager appoints Police Chief Robert Rodriguez

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced today the appointment of Robert Rodriguez as the City of Santa Ana's 22^nd Chief of Police, placing a seasoned law enforcement veteran with deep ties to the Santa Ana community in this essential public safety position.

City Manager Nuñez announced the appointment during an event at Chief Rodriguez's beloved Russell Elementary School, which he attended during his formative years as a child. Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan, Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez, Councilmember Phil Bacerra and Councilmember David Penaloza spoke at the event, which was co-hosted by the Garden Grove Unified School District. Other attendees included members of the City of Santa Ana executive management team, Garden Grove Unified School District Board Members and superintendent, and Russell Elementary students and teachers.

"I am proud to appoint Chief Rodriguez to lead Santa Ana Police Department," City Manager Nuñez said. "Chief Rodriguez brings the leadership, experience and vision necessary to improve public safety, foster trust and strengthen the bond between our police force and the residents we serve. Chief Rodriguez came from humble origins and has a background that allows him to understand all aspects of the Santa Ana community's needs and challenges."

Chief Rodriguez has served as Acting Chief of Police since Nov. 2, 2023, and has worked for the Santa Ana Police Department protecting and serving the Santa Ana community since 2000. Chief Rodriguez has already proven his ability to work closely with other City departments and executive staff to find creative solutions to the problems facing Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Police Department has over 600 sworn officers and professional staff members who serve a diverse community of more than 300,000 residents and 25,000 businesses in one of the most densely populated large cities in the country.

"It is an incredible honor to serve as the Chief of Police for the city that shaped who I am today," Chief Rodriguez said. "Santa Ana is not just where I work - it's my home, my community, and the place where my journey began. I am deeply committed to fostering trust, improving public safety, and building strong relationships between our police department and the residents we serve. Together, we can create a safer, more united Santa Ana, where every individual feels valued and protected. I look forward to working hand in hand with our officers, City leadership, and community members to achieve this vision."

Chief Rodriguez was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and was brought to the United States as a child. After arriving, his family found their way to Santa Ana and called it home. Like many Santa Ana residents, he and his family faced the challenges and uncertainties of living in the United States as undocumented immigrants.

Once he completed his education, Chief Rodriguez joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served numerous deployments overseas and obtained his U.S. citizenship. As a Marine, Chief Rodriguez learned the value of integrity, teamwork and putting others before himself. After honorably leaving the Marine Corps in July 1996, Chief Rodriguez started his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department.

In 2000, Chief Rodriguez came back home and joined the Santa Ana Police Department. Over the years, Chief Rodriguez has worked in many important roles, including Patrol Division, SWAT, Investigations Bureau, and Community Relations. Chief Rodriguez was promoted through all the ranks of the Police Department, including serving as a Sergeant, Commander, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chief Rodriguez deeply values education and is an avid reader. He holds various college degrees, including a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and he is in the final year of completing his Doctorate from USC.

Chief Rodriguez is a devoted husband and the proud father of three beautiful children. He is also a hardcore Dodger fan.

"Our Santa Ana families, businesses and neighborhoods deserve the best police services and quality of life that we can provide," Mayor Amezcua said. "I am confident that Chief Rodriguez has the ability, experience and knowledge to accomplish this. I applaud City Manager Nuñez's decision to appoint Chief Rodriguez and I look forward to seeing his strong leadership continue at the Santa Ana Police Department."

Learn more about the Santa Ana Police Department here.

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