West Covina Police Department

The West Covina Police Department is a well-structured entity headed by Chief of Police Marc Taylor. Each section is distinct, with specific responsibilities ensuring comprehensive coverage of all aspects of community safety:

• Service Area Lieutenants: These lieutenants are assigned across four distinct areas of the city. Each lieutenant is responsible for their designated area, facilitating direct communication with residents. Their role ensures that non-emergency public safety issues and neighborhood concerns are quickly addressed.
• General Line & 24-HR Hotline: Dedicated lines that cater to both emergencies and general inquiries. This ensures that residents always have a point of contact.
• Animal Control: This unit is responsible for managing and responding to situations involving animals, ensuring both human and animal safety.
• Graffiti Removal: Dedicated to keeping West Covina clean, this section responds to reports of graffiti, ensuring that public spaces remain pristine.

The West Covina Police Department has a rich tapestry of history that dates back to its inception. Originally incorporated in 1923, the city felt the need to prevent Covina from establishing a sewage farm within its borders. By 1936, the city council decided to appoint its very own sworn police officer, Joseph Fritsch, marking him as West Covina’s first official officer.

In that same year, a second officer, Orval Davis, joined the force. Both officers initially used their personal motorcycles for duty as police cars weren’t yet in use. This early era was marked by citizen involvement, with many taking the oath of office. However, with Officer Fritsch’s appointment, a standardization occurred, ensuring only sworn police officers actively engaged in law enforcement bore badges.

Joseph Fritsch’s leadership marked a new era for the department. By 1937, he was appointed as the first Chief of Police for West Covina, a title that carried with it the immense responsibility of shaping the department’s future.

Address: 1444 West Garvey Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790

The West Covina Police Department is more than just a law enforcement agency; it’s a community partner. Their service extends beyond mere protection, encompassing a holistic approach that sees the community as collaborators in ensuring public safety.

Understanding that real protection comes from understanding, the department has organized the city into four service areas. This division allows residents to have a direct point of contact with the Service Area Lieutenant assigned to their neighborhood. Such an approach fosters a sense of community and ensures that concerns are promptly addressed.

The West Covina Police Department’s core values highlight their dedication. They ensure that they are always attentive to the needs and desires of the community they serve by emphasizing community responsiveness, integrity, teamwork, and effort. Their open channels of communication, such as the Anonymous Tip Texting service, underscore this commitment, giving residents an avenue to contribute to the safety of their surroundings.

Their collaboration with the community isn’t limited to just law enforcement. By offering services like graffiti removal and shopping cart retrieval, they are invested in the aesthetic and functional beauty of West Covina, ensuring it remains a place residents are proud to call home.

Address: 1444 West Garvey Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790.

Click here to view West Covina accident reports.