Seaside names new police chief

UPDATE 11/2/2016 5:10 PM:

A change of command at the Seaside Police Department. On Wednesday, the city announced Robert Jackson was the department’s new police chief, replacing longtime chief Vicki Myers.

Chief Jackson brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to Seaside, most recently as police chief in Turlock. He said he applied for the position in August, after he and his wife decided to start a new chapter in life.

On Wednesday, KION discussed his 100-day plan for the city of 34,000 people now under his watch. He said the most important step for him was to meet the heart and soul of the department, the sworn and non-sworn staff that make up the Seaside Police Department. He also wants to meet the people who his officers are serving.

“I also want to get in touch with the community,” Jackson said. “I want to be known as the chief. When people see me, I want them to know who I am, where they feel comfortable in coming to me with issues and problems and solutions as well. As time goes on, throughout this next year, we’ll put together a plan as to how best serve the people.”

As a supporter of community-oriented policing, Jackson hopes to get his officers out of their patrol cars and into the community to find out what’s going on in the different neighborhoods.

He also said he was interested in learning more about local gang prevention programs.

“There are several programs here in Seaside that I’m excited to learn about, as far how we can help our kids not be lured into the gang life. And that’s so important – to reach out to the seventh and eighth graders and the people in high school,” Jackson said.

These changes are something the coordinator of the North Seaside Neighborhood Watch is happy to hear.

“Well, it makes me very excited that we have a proactive chief that will be tackling some of the major problems here,” Michael Garcia said.

Jackson will be officially sworn in Thursday night at the Seaside City Council meeting.

As for former police chief Vicki Myers, she is still employed with the city. According to the city manager’s office, she will be working on special projects until she retires in May. We reached out to her for comment but she is not in the office this week.

ORIGINAL POST:

The City of Seaside has a new Police Chief.

The city announced Wednesday that Robert Jackson will be sworn in tomorrow at the Seaside City Council’s November 3 rd meeting.

Jackson has worked in law enforcement for 28 years, including four years as chief of the Turlock Police Department. He was selected after a national recruitment effort that began with 34 applicants. Chief Jackson’s starting salary will be $169,665.

“Chief Jackson’s experience, skill and leadership qualities made him the clear choice of the interview panel, and I look forward to his contributions here in Seaside,” said Craig Malin, Seaside City Manager.

“Our police department’s direction for the future will be based on serving our community in a collaborative and professional manner,” said Jackson. “From the staff that I have already met with it is obvious we have a proud organization that truly cares about our citizens.”

Tonight at 5 and 6, KION’s Mariana Hicks will have more on the story.