Chief Frank L. Steenport

Frank Steenport was hired on September 16, 2009 by the City of Orange Cove, and given the responsibility to create a brand new Police Department in only three months.

There hadn't been a Police Department in Orange Cove for over 25 years, so he knew this was going to be a very difficult task to accomplish, as everything needed to be built from scratch. There was nothing in place, no facility, no infra-structure, no equipment, no staff... and it needed to be the best possible for the community.

This was the kind of task that Frank Steenport could and would accomplish.

Exactly three months later, on December 16, 2009, the Orange Cove Police Department opened its doors!!!

Chief Steenport's goal is to lead by example, from the front.  He aspires to always be a working Chief, never forgetting where he came from, working his way up through the ranks, and recognizing that his staff is his most valuable resource.  He was trained in, and practices, a traditional 'old school' style of policing, while integrating and embracing modern technology.  However, while employing new ideas, he feels it is important to never forget the basic beliefs, ethics, and principles of the Police profession.

He also prides the department on being inclusive, forward thinking, and innovative, with a strong focus on the core mission principles and objectives of the department:   To create and maintain the best possible, cost effective Police services, and to improve the overall quality of life for everyone in the community.  His objective is also to have the department viewed not as a 'necessary evil', but as a critical component of the City, and a major stake holder in its growth and future success.

The following are some of Chief Steenport's career highlights:

1976 - 1985

In 1976, Officer Frank L. Steenport started his career with the Paso Robles Police Department as a Patrol Officer. In the nine years that followed, he rose through the ranks to Investigator, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and Watch Commander.

1985 - 1988

King City Police Department in King City, California as a Sergeant / Acting Lieutenant. He was brought in to turn things around in a very high crime area.

1988 - 1994

San Jacinto Police Department in Riverside County, with oversight of both Patrol, Field and Investigative Services. During his tenure he was assigned to both multi-county homicide, drug, and gang task forces as a Supervisor.

1995 - 2003

Coalinga Police Department. During his tenure, served as a Police Sergeant, Acting Lieutenant, Lieutenant with oversight of both Field Services and Support Services, Interim Chief of Police and Chief of Police. Also during his tenure he was tasked with repairing and rehabilitating the Citys Return to Custody Center, Claremont Custody Center.

Steenport was initially assigned to served as the Interim Assistant Director, then Assistant Director,  and finally appointed Director (Warden). Steenport served in this capacity from early 1998 through late 1999. The Center was restored to fiscal and physical operational capability. Steenport served simultaneously at both the Coalinga Police Department as a Lieutenant, and the Claremont Custody Center as the Assistant Director, and Director.

2005 - 2009

Huron Police Department.  In Huron, Mr. Steenport served as Chief of Police, where he was tasked with taking over a dysfunctional, understaffed, underequipped department in a high crime area and improving service levels and quality of life. In less than four years, through very hard work of the staff, and with support from the community and the City, Part One crimes were reduced 67%.

During the last year and a half of his time there, he was also serving as the Public Works Director, then was appointed to be the Acting City Manager and Finance Director, in addition to his duties as the Chief of Police. The Chief waived any extra compensation for the extra responsibilities and duties, in order to help protect the job security of his sworn and support staff.

2009 - Present

Chief of Police for the Orange Cove Police Department