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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: Following the resignation of Chief Elena Flores, the Los Santos Police Department is proud to announce the appointment of Phillipe Sanchez as the new Chief of Police, effective immediately as of October 18, 2025.
Chief Sanchez brings a long and distinguished record of service to the job, with his career spanning over seven years within the Los Santos Police Department. A career highlighted and defined by leadership in training, accountability, and standard operations, Chief Sanchez brings a wealth of experience to the table as Los Santos' new top cop.
Having first joined the Department in 2018, Chief Sanchez quickly advanced through the ranks due to his dedication and outstanding work ethic, a fact supported by a large number of awards and accolades. Recognized early in his career, Sanchez was awarded two of the most prestigious awards the Department has to offer, being chosen as the Officer of the Month of February 2019 and Supervisor of the Month of April 2019.
Over his years with the Department, Chief Sanchez has held numerous key positions within the Department, which have allowed him to develop vital skills that would later benefit him and prepare him for his ascension:
Chief Sanchez's leadership has been marked by measurable, significant improvements in in-service training, Department transparency, and shift morale, with an emphasis on mentorship and a hands-on problem-solving approach, which has earned him the trust and respect of both his officers and command staff.
Chief Sanchez's appointment comes as a natural continuation of his proven dedication to professional standards and an all-around improvement of the Los Santos Police Department, with his tenure looking to focus on continued accountability improvements, officer development, and community engagement.
Chief Sanchez has since appointed his second-in-command, tapping Assistant Chief Dunbar for the job. Assistant Chief Dunbar has a stellar record with the Department, being known among his peers for his leadership in operations, overseeing general operations, special operations, and the detective bureau.
The Media Relations Division has reached out to Chief Sanchez, who has taken the time out of his busy schedule to provide us with insight into his thought processes and plans for the Department;
Having held multiple key positions over the years, from overseeing field training to internal affairs, how do you believe those experiences have shaped the leader you are today?
The Department has seen major growth and restructuring in recent years; what will be your main priorities moving forward?
What is your long-term vision for the Department, under your leadership?
Finally, on a personal level, what does this appointment and achievement mean to you, after dedicating so many years to the Department?
As a closing note, the Media Relations Division has reached out to Commissioner Flores to gather a quote on Chief Sanchez's appointment.
The Los Santos Police Department extends its sincerest gratitude to outgoing Chief Elena Flores for her leadership, service, and commitment to the Department, and looks forward to a new chapter under the guidance of Chief Phillipe Sanchez.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
NR091-25ajef
October 22, 2025
Phillipe Sanchez Appointed as 9th Chief of Police
Los Santos: Following the resignation of Chief Elena Flores, the Los Santos Police Department is proud to announce the appointment of Phillipe Sanchez as the new Chief of Police, effective immediately as of October 18, 2025.
Chief Sanchez brings a long and distinguished record of service to the job, with his career spanning over seven years within the Los Santos Police Department. A career highlighted and defined by leadership in training, accountability, and standard operations, Chief Sanchez brings a wealth of experience to the table as Los Santos' new top cop.
Having first joined the Department in 2018, Chief Sanchez quickly advanced through the ranks due to his dedication and outstanding work ethic, a fact supported by a large number of awards and accolades. Recognized early in his career, Sanchez was awarded two of the most prestigious awards the Department has to offer, being chosen as the Officer of the Month of February 2019 and Supervisor of the Month of April 2019.
Over his years with the Department, Chief Sanchez has held numerous key positions within the Department, which have allowed him to develop vital skills that would later benefit him and prepare him for his ascension:
- Commanding Officer, Field Training Division: Oversaw the training and development of newly graduated officers entering service for the first time, as well as the training of returning and reinstating officers, responsible for maintaining program standards, training standards, and the ever-growing curriculum.
- Commanding Officer, Police Training Bureau: Oversaw the training bureau, ensuring in-service personnel were provided with the best possible training curricula and opportunities throughout the Department, and enforcing consistency throughout the Department's training programs, schools, and certifications.
- Commanding Officer, Internal Affairs Division: Oversaw administrative and criminal investigations into officer misconduct, ensuring accountability in the Department, bridging gaps between the Department and the communities; an often-deemed thankless position, but one of great significance, one that also provides phenomenal learning experiences for would-be police officials.
Chief Sanchez's leadership has been marked by measurable, significant improvements in in-service training, Department transparency, and shift morale, with an emphasis on mentorship and a hands-on problem-solving approach, which has earned him the trust and respect of both his officers and command staff.
Chief of Police Phillipe Sanchez wrote: It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside Commissioner Flores over the past two and a half years. Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to both our officers and the people of Los Santos have set a standard that will continue to guide this Department for years to come. I am deeply honoured to follow in her footsteps as Chief of Police, and I look forward to building upon the foundation she has laid with a focus on strengthening accountability, advancing professional development, and fostering meaningful engagement with our community.
Above all, I want every member of this Department to know that I am, and will always be, for the men and women who serve. I will stand by our officers, support them, and represent them with pride until the very end. Their dedication is the backbone of this organization, and they will always have my unwavering commitment.
As we enter this new chapter, I have appointed Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar as my First Assistant Chief and official second-in-command. His experience, professionalism, and dedication to our mission make him an invaluable leader within our ranks. Together, we will continue moving the Los Santos Police Department forward with pride, purpose, and integrity.
Chief Sanchez's appointment comes as a natural continuation of his proven dedication to professional standards and an all-around improvement of the Los Santos Police Department, with his tenure looking to focus on continued accountability improvements, officer development, and community engagement.
Chief Sanchez has since appointed his second-in-command, tapping Assistant Chief Dunbar for the job. Assistant Chief Dunbar has a stellar record with the Department, being known among his peers for his leadership in operations, overseeing general operations, special operations, and the detective bureau.
The Media Relations Division has reached out to Chief Sanchez, who has taken the time out of his busy schedule to provide us with insight into his thought processes and plans for the Department;
Having held multiple key positions over the years, from overseeing field training to internal affairs, how do you believe those experiences have shaped the leader you are today?
Every position has impacted me. Field Training taught me how to build people up and to guide and believe in them when they're just starting out. Internal Affairs showed me that integrity isn't optional; it's the basis of everything we do. These lessons shaped me into a leader who supports his people, understands their struggles, and remembers where he came from.
The Department has seen major growth and restructuring in recent years; what will be your main priorities moving forward?
My focus is on our people. I want to make sure they feel supported, developed, and proud to wear this badge. We will keep improving accountability and building trust with our community, but it starts with our officers. If we take care of them, they will take care of the community.
What is your long-term vision for the Department, under your leadership?
I want the LSPD to be known for more than just enforcing the law; I want us to be recognized for integrity, compassion, and unity. I envision a Department that earns respect through how we treat people, both in and out of uniform. I see a future where our officers feel valued and our community feels heard, and there is a sense of pride amongst the team for the badge they display.
Finally, on a personal level, what does this appointment and achievement mean to you, after dedicating so many years to the Department?
It means everything to me. This Department has been my life; it's my purpose and my family. Not only did it give me professional development, it also gave me an amazing wife and perfect child. Leading it now is an honour I will never take for granted. I have walked the same streets, worn the same uniform, and faced the same challenges as the men and women I now represent. I will stand with them, fight for them, and support them until the very end. This is not just a job; it's a promise.
As a closing note, the Media Relations Division has reached out to Commissioner Flores to gather a quote on Chief Sanchez's appointment.
Commissioner Elena Flores wrote: During my tenure as Chief of Police, I believe I have made many mistakes and missteps, but appointing Chief Sanchez as my Chief of Staff and second-in-command was certainly not one of those. That's not to say that we didn't have a rocky relationship at times, but I believe that any disagreements or fights, which we managed to mostly keep behind closed doors if they did occur, are rooted in passion and the desire to do right by the people. There wasn't a day when I second-guessed my decision in choosing Phillipe to run the Department with.
Chief Sanchez was a blessing, backed by an extensive amount of knowledge and experience through his tenure in police training and patrol operations, which provided an extra level of thought to any discussions that pertained to broader effects in the Department. With a willingness to learn, Chief Sanchez never backed away from any challenges or opportunities to learn.
I hope that I have been able to not only mentor Chief Sanchez throughout the years, passing on the knowledge bestowed upon me by the previous Chiefs as well as my own, but also somewhat prepare him for all the challenges, professional and personal, that come with the role of Police Chief; a role one can never truly be prepared for in the fullest.
I am deeply happy to have been able to work with someone whom I consider a close friend for an extended period of time, and I cannot put into words how proud I am of the Chief he has become today, especially looking back at where he started versus where he is now. I could not imagine a better person with more care for people to take on this role.
I wish Chief Sanchez and Assistant Chief Dunbar the best of luck on their new appointments, and I am excited to see where they will take the Department next.
The Los Santos Police Department extends its sincerest gratitude to outgoing Chief Elena Flores for her leadership, service, and commitment to the Department, and looks forward to a new chapter under the guidance of Chief Phillipe Sanchez.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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