7 Shocking Facts And New Initiatives Driving The National City Police Department In 2025

The National City Police Department (NCPD), serving the second oldest city in San Diego County, is currently navigating a pivotal era defined by both cutting-edge technological adoption and intense public scrutiny. As of late 2025, the department is actively rolling out new, high-tech initiatives, including a drone program and a major retail theft grant, while simultaneously facing renewed attention over past civil rights incidents and evolving community service demands. This combination of progressive policing and historical challenges makes the NCPD one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

This comprehensive report delves into the latest updates, recent controversies, and the full spectrum of specialized units defining the National City Police Department in 2025, providing an in-depth look at how the agency is working to uphold its core values of Professionalism, Respect, and Integrity in the face of modern policing complexities. The information presented here is based on the most current public records and news reports available.

Biography and Leadership: Chief Jose Tellez

The National City Police Department is currently led by Chief of Police, Jose Tellez, MPA. His leadership is central to the department’s direction, especially as it implements new technologies and addresses community concerns. Chief Tellez’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the National City community, having spent decades serving within the department before taking on the top leadership role.

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• Name: Jose Tellez, MPA
• Current Role: Chief of Police, National City Police Department (NCPD)
• Educational Background: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Academic Affiliation: Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of San Diego (USD) in the M.S. in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership program.
• Tenure: Chief Tellez was with the National City Police Department for 31 years before being appointed Chief, demonstrating a deep, institutional knowledge of the city and its law enforcement needs.
• Recognition: He has been recognized by the local Chamber of Commerce for his professionalism, integrity, and policing methods, which serve as a model for the department and the broader law enforcement community.

Chief Tellez oversees the department's mission, which is centered on increasing dialogue and community engagement while providing the highest level of service and public safety.

The New Era of Policing: 2024–2025 Initiatives and High-Tech Deployment

The NCPD has made significant headlines in 2024 and 2025 by embracing new technology and securing major grants to combat specific crime trends. These initiatives mark a significant shift in how the department allocates resources and conducts its operations.

1. Drone Deployment for Emergency Response

The National City Police and Fire Departments have jointly implemented a new drone program, providing officers and firefighters with a crucial bird’s-eye view during emergencies. This technology enhances situational awareness during active incidents, such as tracking suspects, assessing major accident scenes, or monitoring large-scale events. The deployment of these Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is part of a broader trend in California law enforcement to utilize aerial technology to improve public safety response times and officer safety.

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2. Major Grant for Organized Retail Theft Prevention

In a significant boost to its crime-fighting resources, the National City Police Department was awarded a substantial grant of $935,100 under the state’s Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. This funding is earmarked for a four-year initiative aimed at combating the rise in organized retail crime, which has impacted businesses across California. The grant will likely fund new technology, dedicated task forces, and increased surveillance measures to protect local retailers.

3. Police Officers Replacing Library Security

In a move that highlights the evolving role of police in community spaces, National City announced in April 2025 that it would replace private security personnel at the public library with uniformed police officers. This decision was made after staff found themselves frequently calling police for backup, suggesting that officers are now needed to address complex issues, including homelessness and behavioral health crises, in public facilities. This shift ensures a higher level of safety but also places more burden on the NCPD’s patrol resources.

Recent Scrutiny and High-Profile Incidents

Despite its proactive community and technological efforts, the NCPD has faced significant challenges and scrutiny, particularly concerning use-of-force incidents and civil rights allegations. Staying informed about these events is crucial for understanding the current climate of law enforcement in National City.

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Ongoing Civil Rights Settlements and Public Scrutiny

The department is currently facing renewed scrutiny amid civil rights settlements, particularly following an incident where officers shot and killed Brian Umana. Lawsuits filed by the Umana family and others have put pressure on city officials to review and reform police conduct policies. This ongoing legal and public pressure is a key factor driving the department’s commitment to transparency and adherence to its Use of Force Report guidelines.

Major Incident in Late 2024

In November 2024, the NCPD responded to a fatal shooting at a National City party. Such high-profile incidents underscore the persistent challenges of violent crime within the city and the critical role of the Uniformed Patrol and Investigative Divisions in maintaining public order and conducting thorough investigations.

Specialized Units and Community Engagement

To address the diverse needs of the community, the National City Police Department maintains a robust structure of specialized units and community outreach programs. These entities are vital for achieving the department's goal of strong community-police partnerships.

NCPD Specialized Units and Divisions (Topical Entities)

The department’s structure is designed to provide targeted services beyond standard patrol operations. Key specialized units include:

• K-9 Unit: Utilized for tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection.
• SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics): Deployed for high-risk situations, barricaded subjects, and hostage rescue.
• Traffic Division: Focuses on vehicle enforcement, accident investigation, and ensuring road safety on major thoroughfares like National City Boulevard.
• P.E.R.T. (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team): A critical unit that partners officers with mental health clinicians to respond to psychiatric emergencies and behavioral crises.
• Animal Control: Responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws and managing stray animals.
• Cadets: A youth program designed to mentor future law enforcement professionals.

Community Outreach and Volunteer Programs (LSI Keywords)

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the NCPD’s philosophy, actively promoting dialogue and partnership with residents.

• Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP): A highly valued program where senior citizens volunteer their time to perform non-enforcement duties, such as welfare checks, vacation house checks, and assisting with traffic control, thereby enhancing overall community safety.
• Homeless Outreach Team (HOT): This dedicated team works with various service groups to assess and identify issues related to homelessness, connecting individuals with vital resources rather than relying solely on enforcement.
• School Liaison Officers: Officers dedicated to building positive relationships with students and staff within the National City school system.
• Business Liaison: An officer or unit that acts as a direct point of contact between the NCPD and the local business community, addressing concerns like the organized retail theft epidemic.

The National City Police Department, founded in 1887 with the appointment of JC Crain as Town Marshall, has a long history in the region. Today, it continues to evolve, balancing the need for advanced policing techniques like the new drone program with the demand for greater accountability and deeper community service. The leadership of Chief Jose Tellez is instrumental in steering the department through these complex and challenging times, ensuring that the NCPD remains committed to the safety and well-being of National City residents.