San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata has announced his plans to retire from the department so he can take on a new role as investigations bureau chief for the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Mata became San Jose’s top cop in 2021 after starting his career with the department in 1996. His retirement will be effective in March before starting his new position the following month.
“This decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to embark on a new role with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office,” Mata said in a statement Tuesday.
“This decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to embark on a new role with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.” Chief Anthony Mata
“It is essential that the great work San Jose officers do is supported by successful investigations and prosecutions at the District Attorney’s office. Like me, our District Attorney believes in providing the highest level of service to our community and I look forward to continuing to do that in a new capacity just across the street,” he said.
City Manager Jennifer Maguire said that among Mata’s accomplishments as chief, he “increased diversity through the sworn officer ranks; and has made it a pinnacle of his career to build the community’s trust and confidence in the Police Department through accountability measures and by managing hundreds of police reform initiatives.”
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Mata will replace Moises Reyes, who retired in December after three years in charge of the office’s investigations bureau.
“Chief Mata and I both began serving the People of this county three decades ago. We share a vision of a criminal justice system that is safe and fair for all. I could not be more pleased that our public safety team is attracting leaders of Chief Mata’s national stature,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement.
