Santa Cruz names interim police chief
SANTA CRUZ >> The city of Santa Cruz has tapped Deputy Police Chief Bernie Escalante as the department’s interim chief.
Escalante’s temporary appointment into the position follows Chief Andy Mills’ announcement that he will step down from the position. Mills’ four-year tenure as the police chief will end Friday before he takes the same duties in Palm Springs. Escalante will step into the interim role the following day.
Mills voiced strong support for Escalante to take over the duties of the chief after he announced his departure from the department.
“I plan to hit the ground running,” Escalante said in a statement. “I am constantly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our law enforcement team here in Santa Cruz, and I am honored to lead this dynamic department as an interim chief.”
Escalante grew up on the Westside of Santa Cruz and is a graduate of Santa Cruz High. He received a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State and got his master’s degree at the University of San Diego.
He is a 25-year veteran with the Santa Cruz Police Department. He began his career as a community service officer in 1996 and quickly became a patrol officer. He began rising up the ranks in 2003 after he was promoted to sergeant.
Six years later he earned a promotion to lieutenant and headed the Investigations Division. He also served as the commander of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team and the primary lieutenant of the Neighborhood Policing Unit.
He achieved the rank of deputy chief in February of 2020.
He will continue to serve as the interim police chief until a permanent chief is named. A permanent chief is expected to be named shortly after the city hires a new city manager, according to a press release from the city.
As the interim chief, Escalante plans to continue to build the relationship and trust between the department and the community, he said. He also hopes to continue to expand staff and find better ways to solve the community’s problems.
“Interim Chief Escalante will bring to the position a deep knowledge of department operations and officers and a sharp focus on serving the needs of the community,” said interim City Manager Rosemary Menard in a statement. “He brings a track record of results, particularity in investigations and neighborhood policing, and I am confident his in his leadership as he takes on this critical role for the city.”