New Seaside Police Chief officially sworn in

Seaside’s new police chief was officially sworn in on Tuesday.

Chief Abdul Pridgen has been on the job since March, but had to undergo peace officer standards and training.

While Chief Pridgen has gotten to know his staff and the city over the past few months, he says he wants to get out and begin building stronger partnerships with the people who live in Seaside.

“That only comes through the citizens trusting the police department and sharing information with the police department and sharing information with the police department about crimes and who is committing crimes and the only way to do that is dialogue with communities and get to know them as human beings on a one on one basis. To me that is the strongest thing, the most effective thing we can do to combat crime and quality of life issues in this city,” said Chief Pridgen.

Seaside also welcomed six new officers Tuesday and promoted three others.