THE SAN RAMON POLICE DEPARTMENT achieved a milestone earlier this month when it swore in the first woman to head the department. Capt. Becky Chestnut was sworn in on Dec. 9 and began serving as chief on Dec. 15.
Chestnut distinguished herself through a combination of operational leadership, investigative experience and administrative management, according to the city’s announcement of its decision. It added that her background aligns with the department’s priorities around training, community and transparency.
Chestnut succeeds former Chief Denton Carlson, who retired. Chestnut joined the San Ramon Police Department in 2015 after 13 years with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. In San Ramon, she focused on building programs and improving internal operations.
“It’s an honor to serve the San Ramon community and to lead the dedicated men and women of this police department,” Chestnut said in the city’s announcement. “I am committed to supporting our employees so they can continue providing exceptional service and maintaining the community’s trust.” The department includes 70 sworn officers and 20 civilian employees.
“I have worked with Chief Chestnut for just over 10 years,” said San Ramon Police Lt. Mike Pistello, who noted that the two were promoted to corporal together in 2016. “I have worked with her over the years as peers and as her subordinate.
“Chief Chestnut is easy to get along with and is very approachable,” Pistello said. “She may not always agree, but she has always made me feel respected and that she appreciates what I and others have to say.”
Rising through the ranks
As a corporal beginning in 2016, she became involved in programs that placed her on the front line of public work, including the department’s Community Academy, which educates residents on police procedures and public safety challenges through hands-on sessions and direct interaction with officers.
Chestnut’s attention shifted to enhancing the department’s workforce and training structure when she was promoted to sergeant in 2019. She assisted in recruiting over 30 officers, coordinated training and handled internal investigations.
Two years later, she advanced to lieutenant, first serving as a watch commander for the patrol division. Later she oversaw the department’s Youth Services and School Resource Officer (SRO) programs, which place trained officers in local schools and youth settings, where they provide support and early intervention. She also helped direct a behavioral health response program on how 911 calls involving mental health are handled by the San Ramon Police Department and the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. That project brings together police, fire and mental health professionals to improve responses to behavioral health crises.
As police chief, Chestnut told city officials, she plans to focus on strengthening trust between officers and the community, and ensuring the department is prepared for changing public-safety demands.
Inspiring the future
Chestnut also identified training and development as top priorities for her first year. Chestnut said she intends to continue strengthening public safety, with partnerships with schools, agencies and health providers. She noted that San Ramon’s existing programs provide a strong foundation for continued innovation.
“I think it’s great to have a female in such a powerful role,” said Ashley Goldsmith, a California High School 12th grader who is interested in law enforcement. “There needs to be balance in leadership, and seeing women in these positions is inspiring.
“I know she’s going to make a really big positive impact on our community, especially with her skills and all the different projects and organizations she’s involved with,” Goldsmith said. “I think she’ll make a really good fit.”
Shaurya Chauhan is an 11th grader at California High School in San Ramon, the News Lite editor and social media writer on the school paper, The Californian, and a CCYJ reporter.
This story originally appeared in CCSpin.