Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum officially retires on December 18, 2025, after 36 years in law enforcement and nearly a decade leading the Cathedral City Police Department.
Chief Crum was sworn in as the city’s fifth Police Chief on December 10, 2014. After retiring in November 2017, he answered the call to return in February 2020 and continued serving the community until his retirement today.
“I am truly honored to have served the citizens of Cathedral City as their Police Chief for over eight years,” said Chief Crum. “I would like to thank the community, elected officials, the city, and the men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department for allowing me the opportunity to serve as their Police Chief. The men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department represent the very best in our profession.”
Under Chief Crum’s leadership, the department launched a Homeless Liaison Officer program, established a traffic bureau, and maintained one of the lowest crime rates in the Coachella Valley for the past six years.
“Chief George Crum has dedicated nearly a decade of service to the residents of Cathedral City, and his impact on our community is immeasurable,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager for the City of Cathedral City. “His community-focused approach to policing prioritized open dialogue and building genuine trust with the people he served. But beyond the programs and statistics, Chief Crum will be remembered for the relationships he built—showing up, listening, and making residents feel heard and safe. He will be deeply missed. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in this well-earned retirement.”
Deputy Chief Rick Sanchez has been named Acting Police Chief, effective immediately, making history as the first Latino to lead the Cathedral City Police Department—a significant milestone for the city’s Latino-majority community. Deputy Chief Sanchez joined the department in 2006 and currently oversees the Operations, Investigation, and Support Bureaus. The process for selecting a permanent Police Chief will be determined by the City’s new City Manager once hired.
