Community Relations Administrator Karen Owens

For the past 17 years, Administrator Karen Owens has worked to build a positive relationship between the Long Beach Police Department and the community it serves. Under her leadership, the department’s Community Relations Division has evolved into a dynamic team of employees who promote public safety through communication, education and community partnership.   Karen began her career with the Police Department in October of 1990 as a Police Services Assistant and was selected as the department's first civilian Public Information Officer in 1993. In 1999, Karen was promoted to the Administrator of Community Relations. As the commanding officer of the division, Karen is responsible for managing a wide variety of programs and assignments in the areas of Crime Prevention, Public Relations, Media Relations, Video Production and Volunteer Services. She serves as the department’s spokesperson to the media and provides Media Relations training at the Long Beach Police Academy and other local law enforcement organizations.   Karen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach and a Master's Degree in Conflict Management and Negotiation from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is a member of numerous professional organizations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Emergency Public Information Officers Association, Leadership Long Beach, and the Long Beach Police Foundation.   Karen and her husband, Rob, live in Long Beach with their son, Drew. She is an avid traveler and also enjoys reading, scuba diving, and spending time with family and friends.