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Alhambra’s Newest Police Chief is Committed to Keeping Alhambra Safe & Livable for All
Alhambra’s newest Police Chief, Garrett Kennedy, has taken the reins of the police department with a vision of safety, community engagement, and modernization. With a career marked by dedication, leadership, and a commitment to community policing, Chief Garrett Kennedy is set to make a lasting impact on Alhambra’s law enforcement landscape.
Chief Kennedy’s appointment was on May 11, 2023, when he officially succeeded Retiring Chief Kelley Fraser. Before taking on the role of Police Chief in Alhambra, Garrett Kennedy spent over two decades rising the ranks in the
Alhambra Police Department. Now, as Chief, Kennedy is uniquely qualified to protect a city like Alhambra.
“Chief Kennedy has been with our police department for a long time and knows our city well,” said Maria Gao, President of the Alhambra Police Foundation. “We have great hopes that his history and experience with the city will allow him to flourish as a chief to serve our community in the future. We look forward to his leadership for the years to come.”
A day in the life of a police chief starts just like any other—Chief Kennedy wakes up in the morning and goes to work. Yet, much of his day is now composed of meetings, events, and administrative duties as opposed to the fieldwork he used to do.
When Around Alhambra asked whether he preferred the ability to make a difference from behind a desk or the wheel of a police car, he found it hard to say, as they are “completely different.” Life for a sergeant and below is extremely hands-on because it involves daily interactions with the community. “You feel involved, like you’re protecting someone,” he said. Now that his work consists of setting policies, training officers to help people, and other newfound duties, he finds his work feels less hands-on. However, he happily adds, “Both ways you help people.”
One improvement of note is that he is “now meeting people in happier times” as opposed to on patrol — people tend to call the police on the worst day of their lives. However, he regularly goes on ride-alongs with police officers on patrol so he doesn’t “lose touch.”
Chief Kennedy’s philosophy revolves around community policing, an approach that places Alhambra’s people — especially younger folks — at the heart of his law enforcement efforts. He understands that policing is not just about enforcing the law but also about building relationships and trust within the community. He tries to get police to be in local schools as much as possible, “Not as warriors but as guardians.” Creating connections with youth and ensuring they understand that “protecting them no matter what is our job” is essential, according to the Chief. “No problem is too small, and we’ll be there to help no matter what hour of the day.”
Chief Kennedy has initiated a range of community engagement programs to strengthen community-police relations further. These initiatives include joining local neighborhood watch meetings, youth outreach, and open house events. By actively involving the community in decision-making, he aims to bridge the gap between the police force and the residents they serve.
Chief Kennedy has emphasized transparency and accountability as cornerstones of his leadership. He believes that an open dialogue with the community fosters trust and cooperation. By sharing information and engaging with the residents of Alhambra, the Police Department aims to build strong, positive relationships and address community concerns effectively.
He didn’t always see himself becoming Chief of Police, let alone a police officer. Kennedy initially attended college as a biology major — he wanted to become a doctor to help others. That was always the goal: helping others. While in school, he worked as a park ranger for the city of Anaheim, helping with things like first aid and generally keeping the park safe for visitors. He enjoyed being outside and helping people so much that he decided to become a police officer instead. He switched his major to criminal justice, and the rest is history.
This journey led him to Alhambra, where he has spent almost 23 years in the police department. “I love this community. It’s extremely supportive of the police department,” Kennedy said of his “second home.” He added, “Working in Alhambra is well worth the drive.” He thinks of the members of the police department as his immediate family; the Alhambra community is his extended family. In fact, he believes everyone should treat each other like family.
In the short time since he took the helm, Chief Garrett Kennedy has already impacted law enforcement in Alhambra. With his vision of community-centric policing and commitment to transparency, Chief Kennedy is steering the Alhambra Police Department toward a safer, more united, and forward-thinking future. His leadership is poised to leave a lasting, positive mark on the city and its residents, ensuring that Alhambra remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
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