2014 Annual Report

Chief's Message

I am proud to present the 2014 Annual Report for the Garden Grove Police Department. This report will highlight some of the major accomplishments completed by your Police Department for the year. As in past years, I will highlight the Part I Crime Report for the city, as the crime statistics in this report will provide an overall view of the crime rate in Garden Grove for 2014. As you read this Annual Report I will have retired as the Chief of Police, so I wish to take this final opportunity to also share my professional thoughts regarding some of the law enforcement challenges facing this community.

The 2014 Part I Crime Report for the City of Garden Grove shows a 10.7% reduction in violent crime and an 8.8% reduction in property crime. This is the second consecutive year that the Part I Crime Rate has declined in the city and is also a continuation of an overall trend that has been occurring over the past 15 years. Considering the changes in the California criminal justice system and the Department’s historically low ratio of police officer to resident staffing, I believe our ability to effectively respond to crime issues is a tribute to the successful partnership we enjoy with the community.

National events in 2014 brought forward a discussion regarding the importance of community trust and equal treatment under the law. Both of these principles are the cornerstone of the Garden Grove Police Department’s philosophy and culture. Garden Grove, as we all know, is a diverse community, and we celebrate this diversity as a community strength. Although there are language and cultural differences, these differences are respected. Every employee of the Police Department strives to provide quality service, regardless of national origin. We strive to have a workforce reflective of the community we serve. In order to successfully accomplish this we need members of our community to understand the importance of law enforcement service. I encourage all members of our community to embrace the opportunity to serve the community in which they live. By doing so, you can make a positive difference in our community and ensure the service we provide to our community is reflective of our community values.

In closing, I would like to thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Chief of Police, with a Department that has been part of my life since 1976. The support this community gives to its Police Department is important. I have felt your support over the years, and ask that you continue to support not only the Department as an organization, but also the individual men and women of this Department who work tirelessly to make this community a safe one in which to live and raise your families.

Kevin J. Raney
Chief of Police