San Jose is about to welcome its new Police Chief, Paul Joseph, who will officially assume his role on October 28th. After a rigorous selection process, City Manager Jennifer Maguire announced his appointment, highlighting the city’s commitment to finding the right leader for its police department.
Maguire praised Joseph, stating, “Paul is an experienced, courageous, and fair leader. He embraces new technologies, engages in meaningful dialogues with the community, and is dedicated to providing top-notch public safety services to our citizens. He understands this city, loves serving our community, and has the ability and experience to get to work from day one.”
Mayor Matt Mahan expressed his full support for Joseph’s appointment, emphasizing that Joseph is not only a loyal law enforcement officer but also a leader who stands on the front lines during crises. “Paul is the leader we need, capable of helping us rebuild our police force and ensuring the safety of San Jose residents,” Mahan said.
In his remarks upon receiving the appointment, Joseph shared his sense of honor and responsibility in taking on the role of Police Chief. He reflected on his career path since joining the department in 1994, starting as a patrol officer and gradually rising to interim Police Chief, holding several key positions along the way.
“I am incredibly honored to lead the dedicated team at the San Jose Police Department,” Joseph stated. “I look forward to working closely with our diverse community to create a safer environment for every resident of San Jose.”
Joseph’s appointment followed a thorough vetting process that emphasized community involvement. Feedback from citizens on police chief candidates played a crucial role in ensuring a transparent selection process that addressed the community’s needs.
As the new Police Chief, Joseph outlined three main priorities for enhancing public safety services. He promised to leverage the latest technologies to improve crime-fighting efficiency. Some non-core police duties will be assigned to specialized support personnel to optimize resource allocation. In certain situations, civilian organizations may be better suited to respond than the police, and Joseph intends to support these alternatives to provide more comprehensive services to the community.
City officials noted that Joseph holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco and has completed various law enforcement leadership training programs, including one with the Los Angeles Police Department. As a member of the California Bar Association, Joseph’s legal and law enforcement expertise will support him in leading the San Jose Police Department effectively.