By: Bethany Myers

Step into the rich tapestry of Newport Beach's history, and you'll find a gem sparkling amidst its waves and shores: the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD). Since its inception on September 1, 1906, our police force has evolved into a shining example of community service, embracing innovation, community policing, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding our beloved neighborhood.

From its modest beginnings, the NBPD has grown to encompass 149 sworn officers and 84 non-sworn personnel. Leading this formidable team is Chief Joe Cartwright, whose journey in law enforcement began in 1999 with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Meet the Leadership

Chief Joe Cartwright joined the NBPD in 2002 and was appointed the 11th Chief of Police in April 2023. Throughout his career, Chief Cartwright has held various roles, showcasing his dedication to service and leadership. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Chief Cartwright's exemplary service extends beyond law enforcement. He chairs the board of directors for the Newport Beach 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Foundation, and serves as a board member for Leadership Tomorrow.

Deputy Chief Miner, with extensive experience within the NBPD, brings invaluable insight into departmental operations. Joining the Newport Beach Police Department in 2002, he held various roles including patrol officer, SWAT Team member, and detective. Promoted to sergeant in 2011, then to lieutenant in 2018, Miner excelled in roles such as patrol sergeant, SWAT Team supervisor, and Crisis Response Unit Commander. In 2023, he became deputy chief, currently overseeing the Patrol and Traffic Divisions.

Deputy Director Stafford's diverse background, spanning over 29 years, includes roles in various government agencies, including the United States Coast Guard, the Long Beach Police Department, the Port of Long Beach, and the Newport Beach Police Department. His leadership within the Support Services Division since 2012 exemplifies his commitment to organizational excellence and community service.

Geographical Areas

The city is operationally divided into four distinct areas for efficient management and community engagement:

The Peninsula - Area 1 - Led by Lt. Corey Wolik
Newport West - Area 2 - Under the leadership of Lt. Michael Schiavi
Newport Center - Area 3 - Supervised by Lt. Jason Blakely
Newport East - Area 4 - Directed by Lt. Gary Clemente

Each area is overseen by a dedicated lieutenant who serves as the Area Commander and is responsible for closely collaborating with local communities to address their unique needs. Area commanders meticulously monitor statistics, track emerging crime trends, and allocate resources to tackle pressing issues. Additionally, they actively participate in community meetings, fostering relationships and gaining a profound understanding of the concerns and priorities of residents, businesses, and visitors in their respective areas.

Divisions and Special Units

The NBPD comprises four divisions: office of the chief, patrol & traffic, detectives, and support services, each tasked with specific responsibilities tailored to meet the community's needs. Notably, the Detective Division handles investigative tasks, led by Acting Division Commander Lieutenant Justin Morouse. Specialized units include the crisis response unit (SWAT and crisis negotiations), homeless liaison, mounted (horses), and the canine unit, comprising Officers Eric Rosenberg and Joe De Julio with their K9 partners, Ryder and Goose, plays a crucial role in law enforcement operations, specializing in areas such as narcotics detection and suspect apprehension.

What Makes the NBPD Special

Focus on Public Safety and Quality of Life: The Newport Beach Police Department prioritizes public safety and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors of Newport Beach. This involves not only traditional law enforcement activities but also initiatives aimed at preventing crime, addressing neighborhood nuisances, and promoting a sense of security and well-being in the community. Officers are encouraged to engage with the community proactively, listen to concerns, and work collaboratively to address local issues and improve public safety.

Proactive Crime Prevention: The NBPD employs proactive strategies to prevent crime and address emerging public safety threats. This includes targeted enforcement efforts, crime analysis to identify trends and hotspots, and community education and outreach programs designed to empower residents to take an active role in crime prevention.

Emphasis on Training and Professionalism: The department places a strong emphasis on training and professionalism among its officers and staff, including ongoing training in areas such as de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, mental health awareness, and ethical decision-making. By investing in the development of its personnel, the department ensures that its members are equipped to handle the complexities of modern law enforcement effectively.

Commitment to Accountability and Transparency: The NBPD is committed to accountability and transparency in its operations. This includes adhering to best practices in reporting, conducting thorough investigations, and maintaining open lines of communication with the public. The department also utilizes technology such as body-worn cameras to enhance transparency and accountability.

Strong Leadership and Community Engagement: The NBPD is led by experienced law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to serving the community with integrity and professionalism. Additionally, the department actively engages with residents through various channels, including community meetings, social media, and neighborhood watch programs, to ensure that it remains responsive to community needs and concerns.

The Newport Beach Police Department distinguishes itself through its commitment to community-oriented policing, proactive crime prevention efforts, specialized services, and an emphasis on training and professionalism.

Challenges and Priorities

Recruiting: Finding top talent remains a challenge for the NBPD, as with many other law enforcement agencies. To address this, the NBPD Personnel Sergeant, Alex Maslin, recently created a recruiting team that includes former military personnel, college athletes, lateral officers, and officers from various levels of experience and assignments. Insider Tip: They’re hiring now! It’s a great time to be a Newport Beach Police Officer. Discover more here: www.nbpd.org/who-we-are/serve-with-us

Overall Safety: Ensuring the safety of Newport Beach residents is a top priority for the police department, focusing on crime prevention, traffic safety, emergency preparedness, and community relations. Strategies such as patrols, investigations, and partnerships are employed to address crime concerns proactively. Additionally, traffic enforcement and education initiatives aim to enhance road safety. The department plays a vital role in emergency preparedness by organizing drills, disseminating safety information, and collaborating with other agencies during crises.

Building and maintaining trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for ensuring public safety. Addressing concerns related to police accountability, transparency, and bias can improve community relations and foster cooperation in effectively addressing safety issues.

How The Community Can Support the Newport Beach Police Department

As the NBPD works to enhance public safety and strengthen the relationship between officers and personnel, and the local community, there are ways we can help support their efforts.

Report Suspicious Activity: Community members should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Newport Beach Police Department promptly.

Participate in Community Outreach and Neighborhood Watch Programs: The community is invited to join the NBPD Mobile Café. This outreach program allows the community to get to know NBPD officers and employees personally and professionally.

Residents are encouraged to participate in Neighborhood Watch programs organized by the NBPD. These programs involve neighbors working together to prevent crime by observing and reporting suspicious activity, organizing community events, and fostering a sense of unity and cooperation within neighborhoods.

Attend Community Meetings and Events: The NBPD hosts meetings, forums, and events for community members to learn about local public safety initiatives, share concerns, and engage in constructive dialogue with law enforcement officers and city officials. These events allow residents to voice their opinions, ask questions, and collaborate with the police department on community policing efforts.

Promote Traffic Safety and Awareness: You can do your part by following traffic laws, practicing safe driving behaviors, and educating others about the importance of responsible driving. Residents can also support the NBPD's traffic safety initiatives by participating in awareness campaigns, advocating for pedestrian and cyclist safety, and reporting traffic violations when observed.

Volunteer for Community Policing Programs: The Newport Beach Police Department often relies on volunteers to support various community policing programs and initiatives. Residents can volunteer their time and skills to assist with neighborhood patrols, crime prevention outreach, administrative support, and event coordination. In addition, the NBPD offers the Citizens’ Police Academy - a unique 12 week program designed to provide community members the opportunity to learn firsthand how the Newport Beach Police Department is organized and how it operates. The academy offers participants the chance to engage directly with law enforcement professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities faced by officers. To volunteer at the police department, applicants need to be selected to attend the Citizens’ Police Academy and pass a background check. If interested, please visit: nbpd.org/what-we-do/programs/citizens-police-academy.

By actively engaging with the Newport Beach Police Department and supporting its efforts to enhance public safety and community well-being, residents can help create a safer and more cohesive community for everyone.

The Newport Beach Police Department isn't just a force for law and order; it's a testament to our community's resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit. Together, let's continue to uphold its legacy and make Newport Beach a safer, more vibrant place for generations to come.

Interesting Facts

The Newport Beach Police Department boasts its own mounted unit, known as the Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU), comprising three horses, two officers, and a dedicated volunteer.
Annually, the department organizes the "Shop with a Cop" program, partnering with local businesses and community organizations to provide gifts for disadvantaged children and their families during the holiday season.
In 2023, the NBPD recorded 2,566 arrests and fielded an impressive 169,371 phone calls to its dispatch center.
The department hosts the Newport Beach Police Department Mobile Café, a community outreach initiative where police personnel and community members convene in an informal, neutral setting to engage in discussions, build relationships, and enjoy coffee or food together.
The NBPD offers a Teen Academy for students 14 - 18 years old. It is a seven-week program designed to increase students' understanding of the department's operations. Students learn from personnel who are experts in SWAT, K9, narcotics, major crimes, patrol operations, traffic laws, firearms, driving under the influence, and other related fields. All students will have the opportunity to participate in practical demonstrations and a ride-along sometime during the Academy session. The program is free and students can earn up to 25 hours of community service hours to help fulfill their graduation requirements. Each academy session is limited to 30 attendees and requires an application process.

Message to the Community from Chief Cartwright

Dear Residents,

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. As your Police Chief, I am honored to serve and protect the wonderful community of Newport Beach alongside the dedicated men and women of our police department.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and collaboration in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhoods. Community involvement and partnership are essential elements in our mission to uphold law and order, prevent crime, and foster a sense of unity and trust among residents.

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community to address shared concerns and work towards common goals. Whether you report suspicious activity, participate in neighborhood watch programs, or attend community events, your involvement makes a significant difference in enhancing public safety and the quality of life in our community.

I encourage each of you to remain engaged and actively contribute to our collective efforts to build a safer and stronger community. Together, we can overcome challenges, support one another, and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let us continue to stand together, united in our commitment to making Newport Beach a safe and vibrant city where everyone can thrive.

With gratitude,

Chief Joe Cartwright

Newport Beach Police Department

The Newport Beach Police Foundation (NBPF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Newport Beach Police Department and the community it serves. You can show your support by sponsoring or signing up for the upcoming event on June 17th, a day of golf at the exclusive Newport Beach Country Club, Home of the Hoag Classic Senior PGA Tour Champions.
Learn more: www.newportbeachpolicefoundation.org

The Newport Beach Police Association, established in 1974, represents both the sworn and civilian members of the Newport Beach Police Department. Learn more: www.newportbeachpa.org