A longtime Scotts Valley police officer has been selected as the department’s new police chief after already serving in the position as interim chief since last year, city officials announced Wednesday.
Jayson Rutherford, who joined the Scotts Valley Police Department in 1998, was serving as interim chief after former chief Steve Walpole retired in late October. He will be sworn in March 2 as the seventh permanent police chief in the city’s 60-year history.
“I have dedicated my entire 28-year law enforcement career to the city of Scotts Valley. I am fully invested in the community, both personally and professionally. I live here, I’ve raised my family here, and the continued safety and quality of life for our community means everything to me,” Rutherford said in a statement.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve my community as chief. I understand the unique needs and desires of our community and so do my staff. My vision is to enhance our community relationships through accountability and collaboration, which are reasons why our department has enjoyed such strong community support for the last 60 years,” he said.
Rutherford was previously administration captain and has served in various roles at the department over the years.
“I’m confident he will lead the department with integrity and calm, by supporting our staff and listening to our community,” City Manager Mali LaGoe said in a statement. “He brings the perfect balance of historical context and a learner mentality that will help our city continue to serve the community well.”