By The Glendora Police Department
On October 22, the Glendale City Council ratified the appointment of Glendora Police Chief Robert Castro to become Glendale Police Department’s new Chief of Police. At the Tuesday Glendale City Council meeting, City Manager Scott Ochoa introduced Robert Castro as the 10th Police Chief for the City of Glendale.
As the Police Chief for Glendora, Castro transformed the police department into a highly effective and efficient organization, an evolution hastened by the Great Recession. Difficult financial conditions resulted in a 20 percent personnel reduction in Glendora PD, however, Chief Castro was able to use the financial crisis as an opportunity to innovate. He implemented Focus-Based Continuous Improvement Policing and District Policing programs which included the use of innovative technologies. His management philosophy is predicated on exceptional customer service, values-based management, and continuous performance improvement.
"I will truly miss the city of Glendora and all its employees and community members. We have been very successful in implementing innovative public service and safety programs that have made the Glendora Police Department a leader in California policing models," said Chief Castro. "The fact that I am being given the opportunity to apply the Glendora policing model in a larger community is a compliment to the entire Glendora community."
Chief Castro has been very active in regional policing efforts in the San Gabriel Valley as a means of delivering quality, cost-efficient service. Through his leadership, Glendora maintains a strong regional profile in diverse areas such as helicopter/air support, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), jailing services, and public safety radio systems. Castro has managed the Office of Traffic Safety DUI and Traffic Safety Grant for all of Los Angeles County for the past five years. His Focus-Based Policing program resulted in injury traffic collisions declining 5 percent each year. He has been very successful in obtaining state and federal grant funds to implement many of the programs and technologies used to meet the contemporary challenges of public safety.
"Glendale is truly an incredible community which is diverse, proud, and has wonderful involvement and support. I am honored to have the opportunity to bring my experiences and ideas to this dynamic community, organization, and management team," said Chief Castro. "I believe by working with and listening closely to employees, community members, and city leaders we can improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit Glendale. I am very excited to replicate many of the successful processes I have used during my career, in my new career in in Glendale."
Chief Castro was also one of the top candidates to fill the vacancy of Chief of Police at the Huntington Beach Police Department but selected the Glendale Police Department. "Glendale demonstrated a genuine commitment and resources to transform their organization into a high efficient and effective agency with outstanding customer service," said Castro.
