Captain Frank Gonzalez will take over as the Chief of Dana Point Police Services starting Friday, April 18. Gonzalez expressed his eagerness for the role, stating, “Being selected as the Dana Point Chief of Police Services is both an honor and a great responsibility. I look forward to working alongside an exceptional team and serving an engaged community where safety is a shared priority.”
Gonzalez’s career in law enforcement began in 2006 with the Sheriff’s Department. His early work involved Custody Operations, followed by patrol duties in North Operations. In 2016, he took on a role at the Tactical Training Center, instructing personnel in areas such as driving and less-lethal tactics, and active shooter response. He joined the Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) the same year, assisting in high-risk warrant services and suspect barricades.
In 2019, Gonzalez was promoted to sergeant, working at the Intake Release Center within the custody Behavioral Health Bureau. His role involved collaboration with the OC Healthcare Agency to support incarcerated individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
His career progressed as a patrol sergeant for North Operations and he became the lead of CNT in 2020. By 2022, he handled responsibilities within the Behavioral Health Bureau, focusing on supporting those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
Gonzalez’s ascent continued in 2023 when he became the Sheriff’s Department’s Public Information Officer, acting as a media liaison and spokesperson. In 2024, he was promoted to lieutenant, stationed at the James A. Musick Facility, and more recently served as Captain for Court Operations.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management, Gonzalez is also an instructor for courses in crisis intervention, crisis negotiations, and law enforcement communications within the Sheriff’s Department.
