New Chief To Take Helm Of Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services is getting new leadership, after Captain Dwayne Chapple was announced the new Chief of RSM Police Services this week.

Chapple starts his new assignment Friday, March 7.

The State University of New York, Potsdam graduate joined the Orange County Sheriff's Department in 2009, where he was assigned to the Central Men's Jail. Shortly after he became a member of the Jail Compliance and Training Team, where he helped develop policies and facilitated training for staff.

He was assigned to patrol in 2014 and worked for the City of Dana Point before being promoted to investigator in 2018. As an OCSD investigator, Chapple worked in auto theft and general investigations.

In 2021, Chapple was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was first assigned to the Theo Lacy Facility before joining the SAFE Division's internal affairs team, according to the sheriff's department.

"I am deeply blessed and honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police Services for Rancho Santa Margarita," Chapple told Patch. "I am grateful for the trust and support I received from city officials and OC Sheriff leadership as I embark on this new path."

Chapple has a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Education from the State University of New York, Potsdam. He currently serves as an associate instructor with Santa Ana College.