Chief Gonzales: Dana Point policing metrics show 19% drop in crime year‑over‑year

Chief Gonzales delivered the Dana Point Police Services quarterly report for January through March 2026, summarizing community outreach, enforcement and staffing changes. He highlighted partnerships and public events — including an ebike safety course, "coffee with a cop" events and station tours for students — as part of community‑policing efforts.

On enforcement, Chief Gonzales reported a decline in crime between 2024 and 2025 of "almost 19%," and listed arrest and citation totals for the quarter: 16 felony arrests, 22 warrants, 67 misdemeanor arrests; combined parking enforcement and city parking citations totaled 2,392, and there were 37 criminal and 464 traffic citations. The department conducted 197 traffic stops, 15 bike stops, 65 pedestrian checks and 494 patrol checks. Chief Gonzales also described several notable incidents, including a stolen‑vehicle recovery that resulted in a suspect being taken into custody within 30 minutes after a resident report.

The report called out quality‑of‑life contacts: 182 contacts involving persons experiencing some form of homelessness (not 182 distinct individuals; some are repeat contacts) and 93 contacts with a mental‑health nexus. Chief Gonzales emphasized collaborative meetings with city staff and service partners to pursue long‑term solutions for individuals.

Council members praised the department’s community orientation and the reported crime reductions. Chief Gonzales said the department will publish a 2025 annual report online and noted several staffing promotions and reassignments.

The council received the report with no formal action required.