Help Shape Cathedral City’s Future: Police Chief Position Open, Public Input Needed

Your Voice Matters in Selecting Our City's Next Police Chief

The City of Cathedral City is searching for its next Police Chief, and we want to hear from YOU! What qualities and priorities are most important to you in our community's next top law enforcement leader?

The City Council invites all residents to participate in a brief community survey to help guide the selection process. Your input will directly influence the profile and priorities we seek in our next Police Chief.

Take the survey now (available in English and Spanish): Community Survey - https://form.jotform.com/cathedralcity/cc-police-chief-community

Survey deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026

About the Police Chief Position

The Police Chief serves as the top law enforcement leader of Cathedral City, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the police department and ensuring the safety and well-being of our diverse community of over 52,000 residents. This critical leadership position works under the direction of the City Manager while providing professional guidance and exercising independent judgment in implementing the City's public safety priorities.

The Police Chief leads a department of 81.5 dedicated sworn and professional staff, operating as part of a city organization of 230 employees, with police and fire together comprising more than 50 percent of the City's $76.5 million general fund operating budget for FY 25/26.

Why This Search Matters

Cathedral City continues to be one of the safest communities in the Coachella Valley - a distinction that reflects the professionalism and dedication of the police department and its leadership. The City has benefited from strong leadership under former Police Chief George Crum and then Deputy Chief Rick Sanchez, now serving as Acting Chief.

As the City conducts an open and competitive recruitment process, community input will be used to help create the position profile when it is advertised and will be shared with evaluators serving on the interview panels.

What We're Looking For

Cathedral City is seeking a visionary and proven servant leader who embodies:

• A deep commitment to community-oriented policing and public trust
• Collaborative, transparent, and forward-thinking leadership
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build trusting relationships with City Council, staff, labor groups, and the community
• A track record of accountability, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive leadership
• Strategic thinking and experience managing complex public safety operations