Integrity, leadership, and professionalism are the hallmarks of Anaheim Deputy Chief Craig Hunter’s impressive thirty-year record of law enforcement – a record that includes nearly twenty years of police management and supervision.
One of the most respected members of Orange County’s law enforcement community,
Chief Hunter oversees all daily police operations of California’s tenth largest city, including the department’s nearly eight-hundred full time and volunteer members and a $120 million budget.
Through policies developed under Chief Hunter’s tenure, Anaheim has earned national acclaim for homeland security and community policing, and the city is recognized as the safest among California’s ten largest cities. Chief Hunter has also implemented numerous cost saving procedures that have streamlined spending, eliminated waste, and created more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Chief Hunter holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Command College, POST Leadership Institute, and the Delinquency Control Institute at University of Southern California (USC). Additionally, Chief Hunter holds a community college teaching credential, and he has lectured and been published on topics such as tourist policing, crisis management, terrorism, and leadership.
Chief Hunter began his law enforcement career at the age of nineteen as a reserve police officer for the City of Garden Grove. In 1982, Chief Hunter joined the Anaheim Police Department, where over the next twenty-seven years he served in a variety of specialized assignments including jail 
operations, personnel, budget, internal affairs, narcotics, gangs, career criminal apprehension, SWAT, robbery, labor relations, aviation, and special events.
Craig and Lisa Hunter live in Yorba Linda and have four children. Chief Hunter is a volunteer Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America and has two sons who are Eagle Scouts, one of whom is also a fellow police officer. Chief Hunter also spends his weekends officiating high school and college football games.
THE ISSUES
Three Strikes Law
“I strongly support the three strikes law. However, in many cases the three strikes law does not go far enough. Violent felons who prey on innocent citizens do not deserve multiple chances to commit heinous crimes. One strike is enough for these individuals.”
Death Penalty
“I fully support the death penalty. I also believe an endless appeals process has degraded the deterrent effect of capital punishment in California. Those who commit the ultimate crime and receive a fair trial should be executed within a reasonable and timely manner.”
Gangs
“As the first gang supervisor in the city of Anaheim, I believe strongly we should enforce gang laws and prosecute gang members whenever possible. We should also work with schools and other community stakeholders to intervene and prevent gang membership. I am in favor of prosecuting gang members as adults.”
Drugs
“Drug addiction is a clear path to criminal activity, and while prevention and treatment are essential to combating drug abuse, we must also have strong, coordinated law enforcement efforts to stop the flow of drugs into our schools and neighborhoods. I’ve seen first-hand the damage that drugs do to young people, and I am committed to fighting this problem.”
Illegal Immigration
“Like most people in Orange County, I’m concerned that our border has become a revolving door for illegal immigrants and potential terrorists. Here in Orange County, I will make sure illegal immigrants who commit a crime are prosecuted and serve their full sentences, rather than being deported and set free in their country of origin. I will also work with immigration officials whenever possible to identify illegal immigrants who are serving time in our jails.”
Concealed Carry
“I fully support the Second Amendment. When it is applied to Conceal Carry (CCW) permits, the courts have given local Sheriffs wide latitude in determining who should and shouldn’t receive a CCW permit. I disagree with our current Sheriff who has adopted an extremely restrictive policy on issuing CCW permits. Instead, I believe law abiding residents have a right to defend themselves. As Sheriff, I will enact policies which put law abiding citizens first, rather than allowing criminals to have an advantage.”
Read Craig Hunters letter in support of California Assembly Bill 357 (click here)
Budget and Taxes
“In our current budget difficulties, maintaining a strong focus on public safety is vital. It is the first duty of government to protect the citizens they serve. Reductions in spending by any law enforcement agency must be targeted to maintain core services such as patrol, investigation, and incarceration.
As Sheriff, I will work to eliminate waste and balance the budget. A priority must be in creating a prudent reserve to help the department weather difficult economic times. Raising taxes on hard working Californians is not an option. Our government agencies must learn to live within their means, and must find the political will to cut non-essential programs during these challenging economic times.”
Government Efficiency and Cooperation
“Too often, government officials become territorial and refuse to integrate resources for the betterment of taxpayers. I believe all levels of government owe it to the taxpayers to work together and create the greatest efficiencies and working relationships possible. There can be no territorial fights when public safety and taxpayer dollars are at risk. As Sheriff, I will work to foster cooperation and ensure our operations interface seamlessly with other agencies for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.”
Good Law Enforcement Supports a Strong Economy
“Good policing can help grow a good economy. That’s because, we all have a stake in safe neighborhoods, clean streets, and a low crime rate. These things contribute to a healthy community and vibrant economy, which then draws more and better businesses.
Policing can also impact the community by working with business owners to ensure they have use permits and other support, which will allow them maximum opportunity to run a healthy, profitable and positive business. I believe law enforcement should work hand-in-hand with businesses in the community to help facilitate their needs and solve possible problems without being an impediment to good solutions.”
http://www.hunterforsheriff.com/