Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum retires after 36 years in law enforcement

Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum is retiring this afternoon, marking the end of a 36-year career in law enforcement.

Chief Crum first joined the Cathedral City Police Department as chief in 2014. He initially retired in 2017 but returned to the role in 2020 to once again lead the department. His career in law enforcement began in 1987 with the Fullerton Police Department, where he started what would become decades of public service.

During his tenure in the Coachella Valley, Chief Crum implemented several key initiatives aimed at improving public safety and community engagement. He launched a homeless liaison officer program to better connect unhoused individuals with services and resources. He also established a traffic bureau focused on roadway safety and enforcement.

Under Chief Crum’s leadership, Cathedral City maintained one of the lowest crime rates in the Coachella Valley for the past six years, a benchmark city officials have frequently highlighted when discussing public safety efforts.

City officials are expected to announce an acting police chief later today. Updates on the department’s leadership transition will be shared as information becomes available.

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