SANTA ANITA — After spending over a year as interim police chief after David Valetin's sudden resignation, City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced Tuesday during an event at Russell Elementary that Robert Rodriguez was appointed as Santa Ana police's new chief, according to a press release.
Via press release: “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," City Manager Nuñez said. "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.”
Who is Chief Rodriguez?
Chief Robert Rodriguez was born in Tijuana, Mexico and brought to the United States as a child where his parents settled in Santa Ana shortly thereafter. Despite him and his parents being undocumented immigrants, he pushed through school, joined the United States Marine Corps where he served several deployments and obtained his U.S. citizenship. After being honorably discharged in 1996, Rodriguez opted to join the Los Angeles Police Department. After a few years of that, he sought a job at Santa Ana police and has worked his way up through every rank and various section of the department. Rodriguez has a M.A. in Public Administration and is currently finishing up his doctorate at USC. Baseball wise, he is a Dodger fan.
Information abridged from the press release issued 12/16/2024.
Rodriguez has served the Santa Ana police department for 24 years, working his way from the bottom to the top.
Via press release: “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.”
Rodriguez is the 22nd chief of police to serve the city of Santa Ana.
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