Welcome to the Cathedral City Police Department.  It is an honor to serve as the Acting Chief of Police for the City of Cathedral City.  Our community’s vision for a safe, inclusive, and thriving city is one we proudly share.  The Cathedral City Police Department is fully aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to public safety, community trust, and organizational excellence.  Our motto, Pride in Service, reflects our dedication to delivering professional, ethical, and community-centered policing every day. 

The mission of our department is to provide the highest quality public safety services while fostering strong partnerships with the community we serve.  We recognize that effective policing is built on trust, transparency, and collaboration.  We are committed to open communication and to holding every member of our department accountable to the highest professional and ethical standards.  Every member of our team, sworn and professional alike, works proactively to reduce crime, enhance quality of life, and respond to community concerns with integrity and respect. 

Community engagement is central to our approach. We actively seek opportunities to listen, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners. Through open communication, outreach initiatives, and neighborhood involvement, we strive to strengthen trust and ensure our policing strategies reflect the needs and values of Cathedral City. 

As Cathedral City continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to innovation, data-driven policing, and continuous improvement.  By investing in modern technology, evidence-based practices, and community-oriented programs, we are better positioned to meet current and future challenges.  At the same time, we prioritize officer wellness, training, and professional development, ensuring our personnel are prepared, supported, and accountable in serving our residents.    

As Acting Chief of Police, my leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, accountability, inclusiveness, and transparency.  I am committed to leading a department that reflects the diversity of our community and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and remains aligned with the City’s long-term vision and strategic priorities. 

Thank you for visiting our website and for supporting the Cathedral City Police Department. I encourage you to stay engaged with us through community meetings, public events, and outreach programs.  Together, with Pride in Service, we will continue working to make Cathedral City a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. 

Rick Sanchez 
Acting Chief of Police 

Cathedral City was incorporated in 1981 with the primary goal of forming its very own police department. After three years of hard work, the Cathedral City Police Department was formed on July 1, 1984. At the time, the department consisted of 26 sworn and non-sworn personnel serving a population of about 15,000 permanent residents. Cathedral City has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in California. The Department has steadily increased sworn personnel staffing commensurate with population growth.

 

The department is currently approved for 52 sworn officers and an additional 24 non-sworn positions. The Police Department provides law enforcement services to 54,791 permanent residents, with an additional 17,000 seasonal residents and visitors.

Officer Jermaine Gibson End of Watch: Saturday, March 19, 2011 Biographical Info: Age: 29 Tour of Duty: 1 Year, 6 Months Badge Number: 2901 Incident Details: Officer Gibson attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle at approximately 11:30 pm and gave chase after the suspect failed to pull over. His vehicle left the road and crashed in Palm Springs at approximately 11:55 pm. The suspect vehicle also crashed and two suspects were taken into custody.

Officer David Vasquez End of Watch: Friday, October 28, 1988 Biographical Info: Age: 30 Tour of Duty: 4 Years, 4 Months, 27 Days Badge Number: 6 Incident Details: Officer Vasquez was assigned to provide traffic control at a non-injury collision. A civilian driver entered the closed lane and struck Officer Vasquez at approximately 30–40 mph, killing him almost instantly.

Fallen Hero Memorial