The SAPD has reduced response time and officer-involved shootings over the past year

Our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan frames our goals, priorities, and objectives and efforts necessary to succeed as a Police Department. As the Santa Ana Police Department prepares to publish the 2022 Year End Review, the following are two critical performance metrics by which Chiefs and Police Departments across major and metropolitan areas are measured, consistent with our statement of intent and purpose outlined in our five-year Strategic Plan.

The first metric is call-for-service response times, which has decreased consistently, from 7 minutes 36 seconds in 2019 to 5 minutes 22 seconds in 2022. This is a 29% decrease in response time over a four-year period. Every second matters when responding to emergency calls for service as it enables us to  better serve the community and save lives.

The second metric involves the implementation of state-of-the-art de-escalation and virtual training platforms, which have proven to be effective in reducing Officer Involved Shootings and major Use of Force incidents.

The Department effectively and consistently reduced its Officer Involved Shooting incidents from 9 in 2017 to 1 in 2022. During this same six-year period, the Department increased its traditional policing efforts to remove guns off our streets with 1,916 total guns seized, proactively addressed violent gang-related crime, and concurrently enhanced community engagement at all organizational levels.

These significant performance outcomes were accomplished thru the unprecedented global pandemic, national calls for reallocation of police funding, and various other reforms. These efforts directly support our dual policing framework of Community-Based and Traditional Policing. 

 “I am proud of what we have accomplished together in the past nearly 6 years, with clear measurable community and employee service goals moving forward. Responsible, data-driven policing services centered on good stewardship, genuine community relations and best practices are intentional and very much part of our organizational culture. Our employees are honored to continue the diligent work necessary to improve safety and quality of life in Santa Ana,” said Chief David Valentin.