Full Notification

Please see attached information regarding how the Monterey Park Police Department is Adapting to the COVID-19 coronavirus.



Advisory: Monterey Park Police Department Adapts to the COVID-19 Coronavirus

Monterey Park Police Department Adapts to the
COVID-19 coronavirus

March 16, 2020 – In response to additional guidance received by federal, state, and local public health officials, the Monterey Park Police Department is adapting to challenges caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Please know we have not changed or reduced our deployment strategies at this time and will continue to respond to all law enforcement related activities in our City. Our situation is both fluid and evolving, and the Monterey Park Police Department is working to maintain field staffing levels that ensure high-quality response times to emergency calls for service within our City.

That shared, we have implemented processes that have equipped department personnel with the necessary training and resources needed to establish good community-based behaviors and practices that should help reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus within our department and throughout our ranks. Our staff has been briefed on COVID-19 issues and will take all due precautions necessary when dealing with the public to keep everyone involved as safe as possible.

It is our goal to continue to provide the highest level of safety and service while preserving the health of both our personnel and our community. Based on logical precautions, we have modified some procedures to limit exposure of the public and our employees. For example, we may accept and document certain non-emergency crime reports over the telephone rather than in person. Additionally, while our police department lobby will remain open for limited purposes, we encourage residents to call ahead at 626-573-1311 to determine if we can serve your needs without requiring a visit.

To protect the health of the public and our personnel, and potentially slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, we are also limiting access to the Monterey Park Police Department lobby and City Hall except in essential or emergent situations. This practice will stay in effect indefinitely. We will reassess circumstances weekly to determine whether or not a change in protocol is warranted.


Lobby restrictions do not apply to the following:

• Regularly scheduled child-custody exchanges
• Individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement for compliance to terms of release.
• Situations in which a law enforcement presence is needed to immediately protect life, safety or property.
• Mandatory visits for payment of fees or collection of property.

If you request a call for service to report criminal activity or to file a report, please call our Police Dispatch Center at 626-573-1311. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or a respiratory illness, please notify us when you make the call. This will allow our first responders to take any needed safety precautions prior to their arrival.

Some police reports can also be made over the phone to a police officer.

Here are some of the criteria for filing a police report over the phone:

• The incident is not an Emergency.
• The incident occurred within the City of Monterey Park.
• You do not know the name or identity of the suspect involved or have physical evidence associated with the incident.

Cases involving theft of identity, theft or unauthorized use of credit/debit cards, checks, or other financial crimes, may require you to still provide documentation to our police officers. Victims should provide officers with as much information regarding their case as possible, to include copies of financial documents, bank statements, credit card account information, fraud affidavits, or any other information relevant to the crime. The exchange of documents can be arranged with the officer at the time of reporting the crime. It is essential for officers to verify the victim’s true identity at the time the report is made.
We apologize for any inconvenience these adjustments may cause you under the circumstances. Please know that the men and women of the Monterey Park Police Department are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and dedicated to maintaining the superior service everyone has come to expect from our personnel. In closing, we ask that you help us protect our police officers and support personnel, so they, in turn, can continue to work hard to protect you!


Kelly Gordon
Interim-Chief of Police