Carlsbad, CA
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Police Department
The City of Carlsbad Police Department is a full-service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community and high service levels. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Police Department, and the support of council members and the community, the city continues to be a safe community to live, work and play.
Police news
Prescription drug take-back event
Properly disposing of unwanted or expired medication helps keep our community safe and protects our environment, too. The City of Carlsbad makes it easy all year long, including at a special event on April 27 as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
04/22/2024
Meet the Chief
On April 15, the City of Carlsbad officially welcomed our new Police Chief, the 11th since the city’s founding in 1952. Christie Calderwood steps into this new role after serving the Carlsbad Police Department for the past 18 years.
04/15/2024
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April 3 is National Walking Day and with the beautiful weather, you may notice more people out walking in Carlsbad. Whether you’re walking or driving, it’s essential to pay attention and put away any distractions that could take your eyes off the road and your surroundings including phones, music or
04/01/2024
Officer-involved shooting investigation
On Friday, March 29, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Carlsbad Police Officer was driving west in a marked patrol car in the 1000 block of Carlsbad Village Drive underneath the I-5 freeway when a rock struck the spotlight and front windshield of his patrol car.
03/30/2024 5:04 PM
Spring break traffic safety
Spring break is around the corner in Carlsbad, and you may notice more kids, teens and families walking and biking. Here are some tips to help everyone stay safe on the road.
03/18/2024 9:29 AM
Carlsbad behind the scenes: DUI and driver’s license checkpoints
Carlsbad Police held a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on a recent Saturday night on Palomar Airport Road in the city’s Bressi Ranch neighborhood. Checkpoints are an important tool police use to help reduce hit-and-run and injury collisions in Carlsbad.
03/15/2024 9:30 AM
Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day responsibly: Designate a driver
With the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations fast approaching, the City of Carlsbad Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver - your lucky charm for a safe and enjoyable celebration.
03/14/2024
Safeguarding your home during spring break
With spring breaks starting and families embarking on vacations, an empty house can become a prime target for an opportunist burglar. The City of Carlsbad Police Department suggests taking proactive steps to safeguard your home, so that you can enjoy peace of mind while on vacation knowing that your
03/13/2024
Combating residential burglaries
Community members in Carlsbad have expressed concern about a recent uptick in residential burglaries, which appear to be part of an organized ring targeting high value items that are easy to turnaround and sell.
02/15/2024 5:50 PM
DUI checkpoint scheduled for February 17 in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Saturday, Feb. 17, from approximately 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
02/15/2024 5:31 PM
Police Chief to retire, new chief named
Today the City of Carlsbad announced the retirement of Police Chief Mickey Williams, effective April 15, and named Assistant Police Chief Christie Calderwood to be his successor.
02/15/2024
School resource officers approved
The Carlsbad City Council approved an updated agreement between the city and the Carlsbad Unified School District to split the cost of school resource officers, extending a more than two-decade-long partnership to provide a safe and secure environment at local schools.
02/07/2024 9:26 AM
Crime down 15%
From mid-year 2022 to mid-year 2023, Carlsbad saw an overall 15% decrease in crime, based on regional mid-year data released by SANDAG and its Automated Regional Justice Information System. The Carlsbad Police Department presented the latest data, and update on crime trends and how the department is
02/07/2024
Sandbags
If you have concerns about flooding, the city recommends stocking up on sandbags at local home improvement stores or online retailers. When heavy rain is forecast, a limited supply of sandbags may be available at these city locations (Limited to 10 sandbags per household. Must show proof of Carlsbad
01/29/2024
Reporting graffiti
Reports of graffiti in November were up 52% over this time last year. Historically, the city sees more graffiti in November, when it gets dark earlier and schools are on Thanksgiving break. But this November the city saw an even bigger increase.
12/15/2023 8:45 AM
Assault with a deadly weapon investigation
On Dec. 13, at 9:20 p.m., the City of Carlsbad Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Alga Road between El Fuerte Street and Xana Way. Additional callers reported hearing gunfire.
12/14/2023
Felony hit-and-run suspect arrested
On Dec. 12, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., the City of Carlsbad Police Department responded to the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Highland Drive regarding a vehicle that had struck a pedestrian and fled the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a 15-year-old female pedestrian with serious injuries.
12/14/2023
More TGIF Concerts planned
The City of Carlsbad will host nine free summer concerts in 2024, following the City Council’s review of the 2023 season and feedback from community members.
12/13/2023
Six strategies for safe holiday driving
Carlsbad may not get snow, but this week’s forecast calls for flurries of holiday traffic and swells of shoppers.
12/12/2023
E-bike safety tips for new riders
Were you lucky enough to unwrap a new e-bike or e-scooter for the holidays? Follow these top five tips to stay safe while enjoying your new ride.
12/12/2023