Government and public sector
10 California police chiefs
These ten current California police chiefs lead city police departments across the state. A reader can learn how police chiefs lead their departments from people who have held the role.
Professionals to explore
01—10Curt Fleming
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · Clovis Police Department
Chief of Police at the Clovis Police Department since July 2006, a role the profile lists at 20 years and 2 months, in the Operations department at senior level. Before Clovis he was a Police Officer at the Fresno Police Department, a role the source dates from 1999 to 2006.
Jason Ta
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · Vallejo Police Department
Chief of Police at the Vallejo Police Department since 2025, after serving there as Interim Chief of Police (2022–2024) and Deputy Chief Of Police (2021–2022). He was earlier a captain at the San Jose Police Department, in the Support Services Division (2020–2021) and Patrol Foothill Division (2019–2020).
Jim McDonnell
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · LAPD
Chief of Police at the LAPD since November 2024. He was earlier Sheriff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (2014–2018) and Chief of Police for the City of Long Beach (2010–2014), and was Director, Safe Communities Institute at the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy (2023–2024).
Jon Radus
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · City of Fullerton
Chief of Police for the City of Fullerton since 2023, where the profile says he leads a department of about 220 people, including 130 sworn officers and 90 non-sworn professionals. His earlier Fullerton roles include Police Captain (2021–2023), Police Lieutenant (2017–2021) and Police Sergeant (2014–2017).
Robert Rodriguez
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · Santa Ana Police Department
Chief of Police at the Santa Ana Police Department since 2024, where the profile says he serves as the department's 22nd chief. His earlier Santa Ana roles were Acting Chief of Police (2023–2024), Assistant Chief (2022–2023) and Deputy Chief (2021–2022). The profile cites over 29 years of law enforcement experience.
Roxana Kennedy
LinkedInExperience: Chief Of Police · Chula Vista Police Department
Chief Of Police at the Chula Vista Police Department since December 2016; the profile says she was appointed the city's 24th chief and its first female chief. Her earlier Chula Vista Police Department roles include Captain- Patrol Operations (2014–2016), Police Captain- Support Operations (2013–2014) and Police Lieutenant (2001–2013).
Scott Wahl
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · San Diego Police Department
Chief of Police at the San Diego Police Department since June 2024, after serving there as Assistant Chief (2023–2024) and in two Captain roles (2021–2023). The source also lists the current role under The City of San Diego with the title Chief, Police, and places him in San Diego.
Sean Thuilliez
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · City of Tustin
Chief of Police for the City of Tustin since 2025 and former Chief of Police at the Beaumont CA Police Department (2015–2025), where he was earlier a Commander (2007–2015). The profile headline names him president of the California Police Chiefs Association. He was a Police Officer Corporal in Redlands (1998–2007).
Stanley McFadden
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · Stockton Police Department
Chief of Police at the Stockton Police Department since 2022, where the profile says his focus is community engagement and departmental wellness. He was earlier Deputy Chief of Police (2021–2022) and Police Captain (2020–2021) at the San Jose Police Department.
Tracy Avelar
LinkedInExperience: Chief of Police · City of Pleasanton
Chief of Police for the City of Pleasanton since December 2024 and former Chief Of Police for the City of Foster City (2019–2024), based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The profile headline names her a past president of the California Police Chiefs Association.
Choose the right perspective
Match the city's size to your question, since leading a big-city department differs from leading a department of a few hundred people. Consider whether you want someone who rose through one department or someone who has led more than one California agency.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How does a California police chief set priorities in the first year in the role?
- 02How do chiefs approach staffing and recruitment when sworn positions are hard to fill?
- 03What did you learn about working with a city council and city manager on the police budget?
Reaching California police chiefs
How can I contact one of these California police chiefs?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including Clovis Police Department, Vallejo Police Department and LAPD, based on profile data retrieved on October 9, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach California police chiefs?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
Can an AI agent ask one of these California police chiefs a question?
Yes. An agent with a USDC wallet on Base can ask one question without an Instant Expert account. It names the person, for example by the LinkedIn URL on this page, and pays per ask over x402 (HTTP 402). The person answers in writing or by voice note, and if nobody answers within 7 days, the payment goes back to the wallet automatically. x402 docs
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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