HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-16; City of Carlsbad Police Chief Transition; Chadwick, ScottTo the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date~ CA ✓ CC L
CM JL.ACM _L_DCM(3)L
July 16, 2021
To: Honorable Mayor Hall an
·1 Memorandum
From: Scott Chadwick, City Ma a~l+-
Re: City of Carlsbad Police sition
{cityof
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021142
Following three decades of service to the City of Carlsbad, including the last six years as Police
Chief, Neil Gallucci has informed me of his intent to retire, effective Sept. 6, 2021. As you know,
Chief Gallucci has led the department through a time of significant change affecting nearly all
aspects of police work, from the use of new tools and technology to community-oriented
policing and cybercrime. Not only has he built an outstanding team within the department, his
collaborative style is recognized among the city organization, our community and the region. I
deeply appreciate Chief Gallucci's excellent work and commitment to the City of Carlsbad.
Chief Gallucci's retirement creates an opportunity for the city to build on the outstanding work
that has been done in the department as we look to continuously improve the policing efforts
for the community.
As City Manager, I take the responsibility of filling management vacancies very seriously,
especially those in public safety. As I consider the high expectations that come with such a
position, I wanted to make sure my selection would be someone who not only will exceed all
expectations but have the following key qualities:
• A thoughtful, collaborative and deliberate leader ready to meet the challenges we face
in the ever-evolving world of policing
• Someone who knows our city, respects our community, and understands the issues
important to the residents we serve
• A chief who will build on the respectful and trusting relationships the department has
developed in the community
• A professional with the highest levels of ethics and integrity
• A leader with a passion for excellence and burning desire to be the best police
department in the country
• Someone ready to hit the ground running, ensuring our community remains safe and
secure during this important transition
Fortunately, the Police· Department management team is built on a focused appreciation of
continuous improvement, succession planning and adapting to the changing needs and
expectations of our community. Because of this, and consistent with the City Manager's authority
City Manager's Office
City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2820 t
Council Memo -City of Carlsbad Police Chief Transition
July 16, 2021
Page 2
granted under Municipal Code section 2.12.035, I am directly appointing Assistant Chief Mickey
Williams to the role of Police Chief, with an effective date of midnight, Sept. 6 2021.
Since arriving at the City of Carlsbad, I have been impressed with Assistant Chief Williams' level
of preparation and attention to detail, his ethics and integrity that are beyond reproach, and a
"can do" attitude, no matter the challenge.
In one recent example of this "can do" spirit, Assistant Chief Williams brought forward an effort
to enhance and formalize the practice of crisis management and de-escalation among the
region's police chiefs. This led to a nearly year-long, countywide collaboration and, ultimately, a
model policy adopted by every law enforcement agency in San Diego County. Assistant Chief
Williams also played an instrumental role in last su.mmer's peaceful demonstrations by groups
concerned about systemic racism in our society.
Earlier this year, Assistant Chief Williams was front and center during two very high-profile
community engagements. During public conversations about the role of civilian oversight in
policing, nearly three-quarters of participants said they had a high level of trust in our Police
Department (72%), with 42% describing their level of trust as "very high." Community members
praised Chief Williams specifically following his participation in last month's town hall meetings
on homelessness, where he was able to increase understanding of the complex legal issues that
limit certain types of enforcement. This willingness to lead on such important issues is one
reason why Mickey Williams is the right choice.
By way of background, Assistant Chief Williams has worked for the Carlsbad Police Department
for over 26 years, holding positions in all divisions of the department; patrol, investigations,
traffic and administration. He was the department's Police Officer of the year in 2001, and the
San Diego County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2002. With an eye toward best
practice policing and leadership, Assistant Chief Williams is a graduate of the Sherman Block
Leadership Institute, the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program, and the Federal
Bureau of Investigations National Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal
Justice Administration from San Diego State University, a master's in Public Administration from
San Diego State University; and a Juris Doctorate from Northwestern California University
School of Law.
Prior to assuming his new role, Assistant Chief Williams will be reaching out to each City Council
member to schedule time to respond to any questions you may have. Additionally, the city
would like to schedule a public meeting in each of the City Council districts and with our local
business community to meet with our new chief. These sessions will provide direct feedback
from our community on items of importance as well as set the stage for an ongoing dialogue
and collaborative relationships as we look to the future.
Council Memo -City of Carlsbad Police Chief Transition
July 16, 2021
Page 3
Finally, I have asked Assistant Chief Williams to lead the creation of a roadmap for ways the
department can continue to improve and evolve. I look forward to sharing this roadmap with
the City Council and to starting this new era for the Carlsbad Police Department .
. Plea~e join me in both thanking Chief Gallucci for 34 years of service and congratulating
Assistant Chief Williams on his new role. Although he has big shoes to fill, I am certain that
Chief Williams will make the City Council and the entire community of Carlsbad proud.
cc: City Attorney Celia Brewer
Assistant City Manager Geoff Patnoe
Police Chief Neil Gallucci
Assistant Police Chief Mickey Williams