Police Chief-City of South Pasadena

The City of South Pasadena offers an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking law enforcement leader to serve as Police Chief. You will guide a progressive department that blends a proud history of community policing with a reputation for innovation, in a community with a supportive City Council, engaged residents, and a strong civic identity. This is a chance to lead a talented and dedicated team, strengthen trusted community partnerships, and set the standard for modern policing in California.

About South Pasadena

The City of South Pasadena, incorporated in 1888, is a charming and historic community in the West San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. Encompassing 3.4 square miles and home to approximately 26,000 residents, South Pasadena is known for its strong sense of community, tree-lined streets, and distinctive small-town character within a major metropolitan area. The City offers an exceptional quality of life and an inclusive, connected place to call home.

Learn more about the City of South Pasadena here..

The South Pasadena Police Department dates back to 1888 and has evolved into a progressive policing agency through the use of technology, crime prevention/reduction strategies, social media platforms, and regional law enforcement partnerships to provide exemplary service. The department is staffed with 37 sworn officers, 18 full-time and 6 part-time professional staff, organized into four divisions: Field Services, Detective Bureau, Support Services, and Administration. The Chief's command staff includes a Deputy Chief and two Lieutenants. The department operates with a FY25-26 budget of $13.2 million.

The Police Chief serves as the City's top law enforcement official and a trusted member of the executive leadership team. Reporting to the City Manager, the Chief provides vision, integrity, and strategic leadership to a department with a long history of delivering public safety through community policing. The Chief oversees Neighborhood Oriented Policing Plan implementation, partnering with residents and businesses to reduce crime, build trust, and improve quality of life. The Chief plays a pivotal role in shaping the department's culture, transparency, accountability, and the safety of all who live, work, and visit the community. Key areas of responsibility include department leadership and oversight; strategic planning and modern policing practices; community policing and engagement; organizational effectiveness; regional and interagency collaboration; budgeting and fiscal responsibility; and ethics and accountability.

The ideal candidate will pursue professionalization of the department, improve service delivery, and mentor the next generation of leaders; be fluent in 21st-century policing principles; stay aware of emerging trends and issues; lead by example and deliver excellent customer service; understand change management and building employee buy-in; and invest in mentorship and professional development.

Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Possession of a P.O.S.T. Management Certificate is required. Graduation from P.O.S.T. Command College or the FBI National Academy and/or a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of experience in contemporary law enforcement with progressively responsible positions in a variety of police functions including supervision and management duties.

The City of South Pasadena provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is up to $253,080, with placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. Key elements of the benefits program include retirement provided by CalPERS with a 2.0% @ 50 formula for Classic members and 2.7% @ 57 for PEPRA members. The City also offers merit pay up to 2% above the salary step and a 1% employer contribution to a deferred compensation plan.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the recruitment brochure for additional benefit information.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by October 27, 2025, by submitting a cover letter and résumé online at

https://www.mosaicpublic.com/careers

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Confidential Inquiries

Chief Greg Nelson (ret.) | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100
Chief Bryan Noblett (ret.) | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100