Detective Karl Reyes was selected as the Ventura Police Department's Investigator of the Year for 2021. 

Detective Reyes is currently assigned to the Street Crimes Unit and is also attached to the CHP auto-theft task force VenCATT. Detective Reyes has become the Ventura Police Department's go-to detective for anything related to auto theft. Between his duties on the task force and at our agency, Detective Reyes is constantly busy with phone calls, operations, or educating community members on how to protect themselves from auto-theft and catalytic converter theft.

Detective Reyes has been with the Ventura Police Department for 18 years and has been a detective in the Street Crimes Unit for almost four years. Detective Reyes has investigated hundreds of cases during that time, ranging from carjacking to catalytic converter theft to elder abuse. He is empathic and understanding with victims, taking time to explain the investigation and what they can do to protect themselves in the future. Detective Reyes is a hard-working, dedicated detective. From January 2021 until November 2021, he had investigated almost 300 Ventura Police Department cases, assisted with and made over 50 arrests, and sent nearly 20 arrest warrants to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. These numbers do not reflect the additional cases and time Detective Reyes spent with the CHP task force. In addition, he routinely assists multiple Ventura County agencies in recovering stolen vehicles and arresting car thieves.

Sergeant Matt Marien, the supervisor of the CHP VenCATT, had this to say:

"Ventura Police Department Detective Karl Reyes continues to play an integral role in the success of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force. In serving the city of Ventura and the county, Detective Reyes is steadfast in his dedication to com batting auto theft. Detective Reyes grasps the concept of attacking the problem from a global perspective, conducting auto theft enforcement, and taking part in investigations throughout the county beyond the City of Ventura. He understands efforts to root out auto theft issues in neighboring jurisdictions pays dividends by diminishing the chances of those issues crossing over into his home jurisdiction. Detective Reyes uses a combination of proactive enforcement, continually applying pressure to prolific offenders, and proven reactive techniques to accomplish the mission. He takes ownership of cases stemming from the City of Ventura, wherever those cases may take the team. Detective Reyes is always the first to secure the resources needed to bring any investigation to a safe and successful conclusion. Beyond his investigative attributes, Detective Reyes is the epitome of a fantastic team member. He is always ready to work when called upon. His candor and humbleness are truly appreciated by the team. He also provides an informal leadership presence that is respected and trusted. The Ventura Police Department is fortunate to call Detective Reyes one of their own."

Detective Reyes is not only dedicated to his cases, but he is also raising two high school daughters, is an avid surfer, and is a regular at the Ventura Police Department's Police Activity League events helping with volunteering. Detective Reyes is an asset to the Ventura Police Department, the Street Crimes Unit, and the VenCATT. 

We congratulate him on a fabulous job well done!