Community Oriented Policing Strategy
The Gardena Police Department has established Community Oriented Policing as its principle method of serving the residents and business owners in the City of Gardena.

“Community Oriented Policing is a philosophy, management style, and organizational strategy that promotes pro-active problem solving and Police-Community partnerships to address the issues of crime and fear, as well as other community issues” (COPS US Department of Justice). The essence of this style of policing focuses on two main issues: Problem Solving and Community Partnerships.

Although all members of the organization practice this philosophy, the Community Oriented Policing Team (COPPS Team) has been tasked with coordinating Community Oriented Policing efforts for the Department. In July of 2002, the Gardena Police Department established the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (C.O.P.P.S) unit. The unit consists of four (4) Police Officers working under the direction of the unit Sergeant. It is the primary goal of the unit to create a safer environment and improve the quality of life for the Gardena community. This is accomplished, in part, by responding to specific complaints made by residents and businesses in the city. When a complaint is received, the team provides directed patrol and works with other agencies and/or city entities to resolve the issue. The C.O.P.P.S team has a multitude of other assignments and responsibilities within the city. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the Neighborhood Watch program, community presentations, crime suppression, gang enforcement, and fugitive apprehension. The unit also acts as a liaison with other city departments, such as Public Works and Community Development, to improve the quality of life in Gardena. Working in partnership with the community, the Gardena Police Department’s C.O.P.P.S unit is striving to make Gardena a safer place in which to live, work and visit.

Community Lead Officers
The Gardena Police Department strives to maintain a partnership with the community. Our Community Oriented Policing strategy allows you to interact with GPD personnel in a joint effort to keep neighborhoods and streets safe for you and your families.

Officer		Phone Numbers	E-mail
Sergeant. Mike Saffell	Supervisor	310-217-9686
Officer Erick Lee	North	310-217-9671
	(of Rosecrans Avenue)
Officer Christopher Cuff	Central	310-217-9685
	(btw Rosecrans & Redondo Bch Blvd)
Officer Octavio Saldana	South	310-217-9656
	(of Redondo Beach Blvd)

Future Strategies
In the near future, the Police Department will focus on building partnerships with the business community and implementing a “crime-free” multi-housing program. The philosophy of the organization will continue to focus and modify our policing style toward the needs of the community.