San Rafael Police Department
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The official SRPD page. Not monitored 24/7. Call 911 to report an emergency. Welcome to the page of the San Rafael Police Department.
The men and women of our department pledge to work with members of the community, community groups, and other City departments to proactively address crime, quality of life issues, and to enhance a feeling of safety for our residents, business owners, and those who visit this great City.
10/06/2026
SRPD TO HOST COFFEE WITH A COP - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 9 AM TO 10 AM - AT GARDEN CAFE IN SAN RAFAEL:
Join us, fellow community members, and neighbors for Coffee with a Cop!
Happening Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Garden Café, 718 B Street in San Rafael.
There are no speeches or agendas, just good coffee and conversation. This is an opportunity to meet your neighborhood officers and deputies in a relaxed environment, build bonds, and share ideas to improve our communities.
Coffee with a Cop brings police officers, deputies, and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Coffee with a Cop events take place at local restaurants and coffee shops. Community residents can sit down with law enforcement and ask questions or share what’s on their mind.
We look forward to seeing you there!
09/24/2026
IN REMEMBRANCE – RETIRED SRPD SERGEANT CHRIS COALE:
The San Rafael Police Department announces with great sadness the passing of retired Sergeant Chris Coale.
Sergeant Coale dedicated 30 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career with the Pinole Police Department before joining the San Rafael Police Department in 1999. He proudly served the San Rafael community for more than two decades before retiring in 2020.
Throughout his career with SRPD, Chris earned the respect of his colleagues through his strong work ethic, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to public service. He was promoted to Corporal and later to Sergeant, serving in a variety of important leadership and specialized assignments. As a Sergeant, he supervised Patrol, the Traffic Unit, and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He also served as an investigator with the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force.
In 2007, Chris was awarded the department’s Silver Medal of Valor for his efforts to rescue a man from an apartment complex fire. Chris, along with another officer, entered the burning complex and rescued a man while the floor above them was fully involved in fire, demonstrating great courage while placing his own safety at great risk.
Beyond his accomplishments and contributions to the department, Chris will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a respected colleague and friend, and someone who cared deeply for his family.
We are grateful for Sergeant Coale’s many years of service to the San Rafael community and the lasting impact he made on the members of our department. His service, friendship, and commitment will not be forgotten.
The San Rafael Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Chris’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
In remembrance of Sergeant Coale. Thank you for your service.
09/15/2026
BE SAFE, BE RESPONSIBLE:
We respect the freedom to celebrate, but we ask that you do so in a safe and responsible manner, and please remember to be considerate of those around you. Community safety is our priority!
Illegal Activity will not be tolerated.
People who participate in violence and criminal activity will be arrested and prosecuted. Drivers participating in sideshows will be arrested, and vehicles will be impounded for up to 30 days.
ASEGÚRATE DE TENER CUIDADO Y DE SER RESPONSABLE:
Respetamos la libertad de celebrar, pero le pedimos que lo haga responsablemente, y recuerde ser considerados con quienes los rodean. ¡La seguridad de la comunidad es nuestra prioridad!
No se tolerará la actividad ilegal.
Las personas que participen en actos violentos y las personas que cometan delitos serán arrestadas y procesadas. Los conductores de vehículos que participen en exhibiciones serán procesados y los vehículos serán confiscados por hasta 30 días.
09/15/2026
SRPD DRONE HELPS CAPTURE SHOOTING SUSPECT MINUTES AFTER GUNFIRE
San Rafael, CA – On September 14, 2026, the San Rafael Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program helped officers quickly locate and arrest an armed shooting suspect Monday morning after numerous 9-1-1 callers reported hearing gunfire near Kerner Boulevard and Fairfax Street.
Shortly before 9:00 AM, SRPD Dispatchers began receiving emergency calls reporting a single gunshot in the area. Witnesses provided information about a male suspect who had fired a handgun and then fled the scene. SRPD officers responded while the department’s DFR drones, “Air 2” and “Air 3,” were deployed to assist officers with locating the shooting scene and searching for the fleeing suspect.
Responding officers contacted individuals involved who had been in an argument with the suspect, later identified as Alex Alfredo Velasquez-Perez, a 21-year-old San Rafael resident. Based on the preliminary investigation, officers learned that Velasquez-Perez and another male recognized one another and became involved in a verbal confrontation. Investigators believe the confrontation may have been related to a street gang rivalry.
During the confrontation, Velasquez-Perez began removing a handgun from a backpack. While doing so, the fi***rm discharged, striking Velasquez-Perez in the leg. No other individuals were struck by the gunfire. Velasquez-Perez then fled the area before officers arrived.
Officers obtained a detailed description of Velasquez-Perez and immediately broadcast the information to responding personnel. Additional officers searched the surrounding area while Air 2 and Air 3 searched from above.
At approximately 9:10 AM, Air 3 located a person matching the suspect’s description walking through an apartment complex in the unit block of Larkspur Street, approximately one block from the shooting scene. The drone maintained visual observation and directed nearby officers to Velasquez-Perez’s location. Officers contacted him and took him into custody without further incident.
Officers immediately observed that Velasquez-Perez had sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and provided first aid. San Rafael Fire Department paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. His injury was determined to be non-life-threatening, and he was subsequently medically cleared for booking.
As part of the continuing investigation, SRPD Detectives obtained and served a search warrant at Velasquez-Perez’s residence. During the search, detectives located and seized the handgun believed to have been used during the incident.
Following his release from the hospital, Velasquez-Perez was booked into the Marin County Jail on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon/fi***rm and possession of a concealed and loaded fi***rm in public.
This incident demonstrates the value of SRPD’s Drone as First Responder program as an additional public safety resource. Within minutes of the initial 9-1-1 calls, DFR personnel searched the surrounding area from the air, located the fleeing suspect, and provided his location to officers on the ground, allowing them to safely take him into custody.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online at http://www.srpd.org/tips.
SRPD HONORS THE RETIREMENT OF SERGEANT MICHAEL MATHIS AFTER NEARLY THREE DECADES OF SERVICE:
SRPD announces and recognizes the retirement of Sergeant Michael Mathis after nearly three decades of dedicated service to the San Rafael Police Department and our San Rafael community.
Mathis began his career with the San Rafael Police Department on March 17, 1997. He later joined the Traffic Unit as a motorcycle officer.
In 2006, he was promoted to Corporal. Throughout Mathis’ career, he demonstrated a passion for teaching and developing police personnel. As a Corporal and Field Training Officer, Mathis mentored countless new officers. In 2009, he served as the department’s Training Manager and an instructor, helping guide professional development across our department.
Mathis also served as a School Resource Officer, building relationships with students and school staff throughout San Rafael. He was also an integral part of SRPD’s Camp Chance over the years, helping create positive experiences and connections with young people in our community.
Mathis served on the Crime Scene Investigation Team and the Peer Support Team, where he was recognized as a trusted source of support for his coworkers and helped strengthen connections within our department.
In 2022, Mathis was promoted to Sergeant. Most recently, he returned to the Traffic Unit as its Supervisor, leading a unit that has been an important part of his career.
Mathis outgoing personality has also been unmistakable. He has never been afraid to be the life of a gathering, and his humor, energy, and ability to connect with people have made him a memorable presence throughout this department.
Sergeant Mathis, the officers you have trained, the coworkers you have supported, and the relationships you have built are a lasting part of your legacy. On behalf of the San Rafael Police Department, the City of San Rafael, and the community we serve, thank you for nearly thirty years of dedicated service.
Sergeant Michael Mathis, we show you 10-7OD, Congratulations!
09/07/2026
SWEARING-IN AND PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY:
SRPD is proud to announce that our two new police officers, Officer Aziz Majid and Officer Colton Prieto, took the oath of office and are proudly serving the San Rafael Community. As new officers, they both enter into an intensive in-the-field training program to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to be successful in keeping our community safe. We look forward to bright futures for Officer Majid and Officer Prieto.
Additionally, we celebrated the promotions of Sergeant Chris Fuller and Lead Dispatcher Anna Fulgado. Both bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, talent, and leadership to their respective roles.
If you are interested in joining our team at the San Rafael Police Department, go to www.SRPDCareers.com for more information.
08/11/2026
SRPD TO HOST COFFEE WITH A COP THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 - AT SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET IN SAN RAFAEL:
Join us and your fellow community members and neighbors at Coffee with a Cop!
Happening this Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Sprouts Farmers Market, 655 Irwin Street in San Rafael.
There are no speeches or agendas, just good coffee and conversation. This is an opportunity to meet your neighborhood officers and deputies in a relaxed environment, build bonds, and share ideas to improve our communities.
Coffee with a Cop brings police officers, deputies, and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Coffee with a Cop events take place at local restaurants and coffee shops. Community residents can sit down with law enforcement and ask questions or share what’s on their mind.
We look forward to seeing you there!
UPDATE - As of 12:30 PM, the gas line rupture has been stopped and the shelter-in-place has been lifted. The road closures remain.
HAPPENING NOW - GAS LINE RUPTURE AT B STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE:
Just after 9 AM, this Wednesday morning, a gas line was ruptured at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and B Street.
The San Rafael Police and Fire Departments along with our utility partner PG&E responded to the scene. The surrounding area around the gas leak was closed off for the public’s safety.
Right now, Fifth Avenue between A Street and C Street is closed, Mission Avenue between Wilkins Street at C Street is closed and B Street from Fourth Street to Mission Avenue is also closed.
Initially, first responders issued a shelter-in-place for the buildings that were closest to where the gas line was ruptured. PG&E is working to close off that rupture.
The current road closures are expected to remain in effect throughout the day as repairs are made. Motorists should expect delays and use alternative routes.
Notifications and alerts were made to notify the public of the shelter-in-place and road closures through Nixle and Alert Marin.
If you would like to receive notifications and alerts, we recommend that you sign up for both Nixle and Alert Marin.
More updates are expected as this is an ongoing incident.
07/27/2026
COMUNIDAD POLICÍA ACADEMIA – ESTA CLASE DE LA ACADEMIA SERÁ EN ESPAÑOL:
El Departamento de Policía de San Rafael organizará otra Academia de Policía Comunitaria en español para los miembros de nuestra comunidad hispanohablante.
Las clases de la academia se impartirán todos los miércoles por la noche, de 6:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m., desde el 26 de agosto hasta el 28 de octubre de 2026.
El departamento de policía de San Rafael está encantado de presentar a la academia de policía de la comunidad en Español. El programa se ofrece por 10 semanas gratis para los participantes. Acompáñanos en el centro público de seguridad que está localizado en 1375 5th Avenida, para esta oportunidad única de aprender sobre la aplicación de la ley de oficiales que hablan Español con experiencia.
Este programa brinda a los residentes la oportunidad de hacer preguntas, conocer a los oficiales de policía locales, y obtener una visión interna del funcionamiento de los oficiales de policía de San Rafael.
Los participantes también tendrán la oportunidad de viajar en un carro de patrulla, con una posibilidad de viajar en el barco de policía, Mission City, y participar en los entrenamientos de simulación de opciones de fuerza en el Departamento de Sheriff del condado de Marin.
¡No te pierdas esta valiosa oportunidad!
Inscribirse: www.srpd.org/community-police-academy
HAPPENING NOW- SRPD’S TOUCH-A-TRUCK
SRPD’s Touch-A-Truck event is HAPPENING NOW at San Rafael High School’s Third Street parking lot, located at 150 Third Street in San Rafael. The event goes until 2 PM today.
This is a great FREE event for the whole family. Kids and adults of all ages will have the chance to see, touch, and explore a police truck, a police motorcycle, a fire truck, an ambulance, a tractor, a dump truck, a tow truck, a garbage truck, and much more. This year IS the biggest Touch-A-Truck with more spectacular trucks and vehicles. Food and refreshments are available with a selection of food and ice cream trucks for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t be late for this amazing annual event. We look forward to visiting with you today!
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1375 5th Avenue
San Rafael, CA
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