At the Tuesday, Glendale City Council meeting, City Manager Scott Ochoa introduced Robert Castro as the 12th Police Chief for the City of Glendale.

Robert Castro is currently the Chief of Police for the city of Glendora, a position he has held for the past three years. Chief Castro began his law enforcement career working for the City of Glendora as a police cadet in 1985. He was hired as a police officer in 1986 and worked his way up through the ranks to Chief of Police.

Chief Castro attended Azusa Pacific University obtaining a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Business Management. He is a Graduate of the POST Command College and the West Point Law Enforcement Leadership Program. He holds a POST Executive Certificate and is a member of the California Police Chiefs’ Association and the International Association of Police Chiefs.

As the Police Chief of 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% 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.

Chief Castro is 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 Traffic 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% each year. He has been very successful in obtaining grant funds to implement many of the programs and technologies used to meet the contemporary challenges of public safety. His community involvement includes being a member of Kiwanis, PTA, Chamber of Commerce, and numerous community committees in the city of Glendora.

“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 here in Glendale.”

City Manager Scott Ochoa heralded Castro’s arrival in Glendale by saying, “Chief Rob Castro will capitalize on the significant gains made by Glendale PD over the recent years. Building on the successes and expectations established during Chief Ron De Pompa’s administration, I am very confident that Chief Castro will sustain our positive momentum. He understands and appreciates our organization’s values, he is an innovative leader, and he appreciates and respects the role of community support in maintaining Glendale as a very special – and safe – place.”

Chief Castro is expected to take over as the Chief of Police on Monday December 16, 2013.

Chief Castro, 48 years, and his wife, Cynthia, an elementary school teacher, have two sons, Nicholas, 16, and Robbie, 18. He and his family enjoy fitness activities, such as running and mountain bike riding.

Correction: A correction has been made to this story. This is Glendale’s 12th police chief it was previously stated it was the city’s 10th.