Top Management Award
Chief Paul M. Walters
Santa Ana Police Department
There’s a top dog at every police agency and each carries with them their own legacy and story of what led them to the top. The old adage that “it’s lonely at the top” applies to many of them as they are routinely placed in disciplinary roles as well as having to cushion political and internal issues surrounding the police union, police management and the citizens of their city.
It is very rare in today’s world that a police chief can last more than a half dozen years in that position and it is even rarer that a chief is nominated for an award by a police union.
Paul Walters has been the Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department since 1988. His agency is the largest municipal police department in Orange County with 400 sworn officers, 200 non-sworn personnel and 100 detention officers. It is the ninth largest city in California with a population of 349,100 in 27.2 square miles.
Chief Walters has over 34 years of varied and specialized police experience, with over 20 years of command and executive leadership responsibilities. He has trained numerous police executives and elected officials throughout the country in innovative community policing strategies. His beliefs and values support the realization that law enforcement has not only the opportunity, but also the obligation to employ a policing strategy that systematically embraces new challenges. Walters advocates that law enforcement must remain faithful in its commitment to delivering unparalleled services based on a legacy of quality policing. This is the foundation that builds trust, open communications, mutual acceptance of roles and responsibilities, and delivers on the promise of a safe and vibrant community in which to live.
Chief Walters has managed to work closely with the police union, city hall and the citizens to create 18 years of successful leadership. The police department, through Chief Walters’ vision and commitment to community-oriented policing strategies, use of emerging technology, and forging partnerships with the community has reduced crime over the past decade in Santa Ana by over 60 percent.
Chief Walters has received favorable recognition and numerous awards over the years, including being listed as one of the “Hottest 25 People in Orange County” in 1998. The award that will stand out from all of the others is the award that he will receive tonight. Tonight, Chief Walters is not only being recognized for his achievement, but also for how he accomplished these achievements through union eyes.
The Golden Badge Foundation proudly presents this year’s Top Management Award to Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters.
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