Who ya gonna' Call in CMPD 

Whether we need information about local laws or want to get police assistance for something that is troubling us, we can find the door to the Police Station an entry into a world of strange terms and abrupt personnel. "Just the facts, ma’am,” Sergeant Friday’s iconic phrase, is what they imply.

Before we can decide how to get things done at the CMPD, we have to know a little about their organization. Today, let’s start with that organization; “Who’s Who in this Zoo?”

Who's who

The Chief of Police Tom Gazsi, has four people directly reporting to him; his executive secretary, (Sorenson) and three subordinate managers. The managers have a great deal of latitude and are responsible for results; they’re referred to as commanders, like the military term that refers to a similar latitude and responsibility.

Lieut. Schennum manages the Professional Standards Bureau, which includes Training and Recruitment under Sgt. Hicks, Internal Affairs (who “police the police”) under Sgt. C. Phillips, and Public Affairs.

CPT. Gogarty commands three teams: Investigative Services Bureau under Lieut. Dondero, Records and Evidence Bureau under Susan Lozano, and the Telecommunications Bureau under Lieut. Glass.

CPT. Huggins’ immediate subordinates are organized by geographic area. Lieut. Manley commands Area One, Lieut. Ciszek Area Two, and Lieut. Sharpenack commands the Special Services Bureau.

Divided geographically

Each area is divided into two beats, One and Two. So we have Area One and Two, each with a Beat One and Beat Two. Officers are assigned to the Areas and Beats throughout the day and night. There are no holidays. Typically, the same officers patrol the same beats, making them sensitive to changes and helping them get to know the area and the residents.

We have one K-9 officer Chuck Oliver, and his partner police dog Tornado.

Divided by function

CMPD is organized to investigate crimes against persons (including frauds and scams, which are prevalent during the holidays) and property, and has a gang detail focused on gang organization, location, and crimes.

We also have traffic and SWAT; SWAT includes crisis negotiation specialists. SWAT officers are integrated into the working force when they aren’t on a SWAT call. Although they train a lot as a team, they don’t become an active team until they are activated for a SWAT-appropriate crisis.

And, the department has animal control, parking and a number of special functions. A lot of the routine tasks are done by volunteers who also respond to community problems such as family fights.

Now let’s talk about “who you’re gonna’ call.”

Who and how to call CMPD

If you are facing an emergency, whether related to medical, fire, or crime, dial 911 and the operator will help you sort it out. Most people who are extremely frightened or excited have a little trouble deciding who would best handle their problem. That’s what the operator is trained to do – get the right information to the right people as quickly as possible.

The operator will help you provide the information they need. If you want to be efficient, plan to start with your address and what is happening that requires assistance, then your name and involvement. For example:

            “Nine one one, what is your emergency?”

            “2025 Apple Street, car theft, they just left, I’m John Smith, and it’s my car.”  Or,

            “Nine one one, what is your emergency?”

            “2032 Apple Street, someone out in front of my house is waving a gun and shooting in the air, I’m Mary Jones.”

Once the operator has the needed information, let her (or him) end the call; they may want to keep you on the line to help direct the responding officer or to collect more information. If you don’t want to be contacted you can tell the operator at that time.

For a less time-critical problem, like a missing bike, or a blocked driveway, call the non-emergency number (714.754.5255), with about the same information:

            “Hi, I’d like to report a blocked driveway in front of my house at 1243 Pear Ave. This is Jake Sanchez.”

Or visit

Or, you can drop by the PD headquarters where you’ll find a couple of very knowledgeable folks at the desk. They can help you file a report, get fingerprinted, or efficiently transact police business.

Now you know that you’ll be dealing with specialists in property crime, or crimes against persons, or sometimes with officers specializing in “Problem Oriented Policing.” These are the officers who get the problem resolved using whatever police resources are needed. Just ask the desk officer or desk clerk and you’ll be on your way.

It’s your Police Department, and it is working for you whether you call, visit, or just enjoy their protection.