Message from the Sheriff

The City of La Quinta has elected to create its own Police Department, with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The mayor, council members, and city manager set the level of service that they believe meets the needs of the community and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provides the personnel, equipment, and resources to fulfill the city’s needs.

Contract law enforcement has been in existence for many years, in fact, the Riverside County Sheriff's department has been providing law enforcement services to the City of La Quinta since the city was founded in 1982. La Quinta is one of 13 cities in our county that have asked us to provide law enforcement services.

In addition to the service level set by the mayor and council, the city benefits by having the resources of the fourth largest law enforcement agency in the state immediately available. Helicopters, aircraft, Emergency Services Team (SWAT), Central Homicide Unit, Special Investigation Bureau, Administrative Investigations, Media Information Bureau, Target Teams, boats, diving teams, and Coroners Facilities are all available. In addition, the department's special services include the Special Enforcement Team, Traffic Services Team, School Resource Officers, Motorcycle Enforcement Unit, and Investigations Bureau.

I have appointed Captain Andy Martinez to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of La Quinta. Captain Martinez serves as my official representative in the community. I invite you to contact him at (760) 863-8990. Additionally, you may contact me at (951) 955-2400.

Again, thanks for visiting our website and remember that public safety is everyone’s business and we are here to protect and serve you.

Chad Bianco
Sheriff-Coroner