Chief Rafael Quintero was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Burbank in April 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety leadership.
Chief Quintero is known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to community engagement, and dedication to building high-performing, forward-thinking teams. He joins the Burbank Police Department after serving with distinction at the Glendale Police Department, where he held various assignments and command roles over 23 years.
Chief Quintero’s career includes extensive experience in field operations, investigations, administration, professional standards, and emergency management. He has led major departmental initiatives, spearheading the creation of a strategic plan, emphasizing rapid response times, crime and victimization reduction, and emergency preparedness. His leadership has helped modernize internal systems, improve recruitment and onboarding processes, and strengthen organizational efficiency.
As Chief of Police, Quintero is deeply committed to supporting the men and women of the Burbank Police Department. He values the strong traditions that define the organization and is focused on reinforcing the tools, training, and leadership needed for personnel to continue providing proactive, community-focused service.
A recognized advocate for partnership-based policing, Chief Quintero has been actively involved in several community-focused initiatives throughout his career. He brings that experience to Burbank with a strong commitment to building new relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and residents. Chief Quintero is dedicated to collaborating with the community to ensure public safety strategies reflect shared values and priorities.
Chief Quintero holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and has completed executive development coursework through California POST.
As Burbank’s Chief of Police, he remains committed to supporting the department’s proud tradition of public service, advancing innovative policing strategies, and fostering trust and collaboration with the department and the community. His mission is to preserve and enhance the department’s ability to keep Burbank one of the safest cities in the region.
Chief Quintero is a first-generation Mexican American who has spent most of his life living and working in the greater Los Angeles area. He enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and traveling in his free time.