"Chat with the Chief" at the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market

The Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market is one of our community’s most valued traditions, bringing thousands of residents and visitors together each week in downtown Old Courthouse Square to enjoy local food, live music, small businesses, and a true sense of community. That vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place for connection, which is why I am proud to host our “Chat with the Chief” booth at every Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market throughout the season. 

Community engagement is a top organizational priority for the Santa Rosa Police Department. Policing is most effective when it is rooted in trust, transparency, and open communication. The “Chat with the Chief” booth is designed to offer an informal, approachable space where community members can ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback directly to police leadership. 

Strong relationships between law enforcement and the community are essential to public safety. When people feel heard and respected, collaboration improves, information flows more freely, and solutions become truly community‑driven. These relationships help prevent crime, improve response during emergencies, and ensure our policing reflects the values of those we serve.  I want to hear candid feedback on what is going well at the police department and about any areas where we can better serve our community.   

In addition to the Wednesday Night Markets, my Command Staff and I routinely conduct downtown foot patrols to engage with residents and business owners. These personal interactions help build lasting partnerships and reinforce our shared goal of keeping Santa Rosa a safe, welcoming place to live, work, and play. 

I look forward to seeing you at the Wednesday Night Market and continuing these important conversations together. Learn more about the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market here.  

Lastly, the SRPD May Beat Newsletters are available now on our website. These newsletters are a great way to stay informed about what is happening in your neighborhood. Each issue has “The Chief’s Corner,” a message from me where I discuss important issues impacting Santa Rosa and share city-wide statistics from the police department. Each newsletter also includes updates from your beat lieutenant, highlighting local concerns, crime trends, and safety tips tailored to your area. Not sure what beat your neighborhood is in? Find your beat and read your SRPD Beat Newsletter here. 

Thank you, 
Chief John Cregan