DLNews Law enforcement:

The Indio Police Department proudly welcomes Sergeant Abraham “Abe” Plata as its new Public Information Officer (PIO). A distinguished law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience, Sergeant Plata brings an impressive record of service and a deep-rooted connection to the Indio community. 

Sergeant Plata’s remarkable journey began in Michoacán, Mexico, before his family immigrated to California in the early 1970s. Raised in McFarland and later moving to Indio in 1987, he is a proud Marine Corps veteran who transitioned from serving his country to serving his community. His law enforcement career started in 1999 as a Reserve Police Officer with the Indio Police Department, followed by a full-time appointment in 2000. 

Over the past 24 years, Sergeant Plata has excelled in numerous roles, including Patrol Officer, Detective with the Palm Springs Narcotic Task Force and Riverside County Auto-Theft Interdiction Detail, Field Training Officer, and School Resource Officer. Most recently, he served as a Sergeant in the Community Outreach Unit, overseeing School Resource Officers and the Quality-of-Life team. 

Recognized for his exceptional dedication and achievements, Sergeant Plata has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. Among these are the prestigious PAL/SAFE Family’s Officer of the Year Award in 2024 and the California Highway Patrol "Grandmaster" 10851 Pin in 2019, an honor achieved for recovering over 2,000 stolen vehicles. As the only Indio Police Department recipient of this distinction, it highlights his unwavering commitment to excellence. His other honors include multiple CAL-ID Golden Bear Awards, the California State Assembly Officer of the Year title, and recognition as the Indio Police Officer of the Year. The Indio City Council, Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, and Indio Sunrise Rotary have also celebrated his contributions. 

As Public Information Officer, Sergeant Plata will oversee department communications, manage press relations and social media, and lead the peer support team. His vision for the position emphasizes fostering trust, transparency, and engagement between the department and the community. 

Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Sergeant Plata shared, “As a longtime member of the Indio community and Indio Police Department, I’m honored to step into this position. I look forward to connecting with residents, communicating with our community, and sharing the important work of the Indio Police Department.” 

Chief Brian Tully

Chief Brian Tully expressed confidence in Sergeant Plata’s ability to enhance community relations, stating, “Sergeant Plata embodies the values of dedication, service, and community engagement at the heart of the Indio Police Department. His wealth of experience and commitment to fostering relationships will ensure effective communication and transparency with our community.” 

Sergeant Abraham Plata’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for the Indio Police Department and the residents it serves. His legacy of service and his passion for building strong community connections promise a bright future for public engagement in Indio.