Since 1992, the Santa Maria Police Department has developed and implemented a Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving (COPPS) philosophy of policing. The main premise of COPPS is understanding that the Police are a part of the Community, and the Community has a responsibility to assist the Police in improving the quality of life for everyone. We have developed many partnerships with individuals and Community groups to accomplish this goal. Therefore, the Community has direct participation in what we do, and we benefit from their help.

COMMUNITY POLICING SUPERVISOR
Lt. Richard Flores
Telephone (805) 928-3781 Ext. 149
Email

Lt. Rico Flores started his law enforcement career in southern California with the Rialto Police and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department prior to moving to the Central Coast in 1990. At the Santa Maria Police Department, he serves as the Public Information Officer, and oversees the Traffic Bureau, Community Oriented Policing, Volunteer Unit, along with various other units. His past experience includes patrol, Beat Coordinator, Gang Suppression Team, and Traffic Bureau. He loves the Central Coast and continues to ride motorcycles on his off-duty time.