Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice accepts new position with the East Bay Regional Park District

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The East Bay Regional Park District announced Roberto Filice, the current chief of Salinas Police, has been appointed as its next Assistant General Manager of Public Safety/Police Chief.

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Roberto Filice, a highly seasoned leader and law enforcement executive with over 25 years of dedicated public service, to the East Bay Regional Park District,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager at the East Bay Regional Park District. “We look forward to his leadership and strong sense of community service in this important role that prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and exceptional park experiences.”

“I am excited to be part of an organization that cares about engaging with the public and providing positive experiences in nature and recreational opportunities with safety in mind,” said Chief Roberto Filice. “With a community-focused and team-oriented approach, I am ready to build partnerships, mentor and support career development opportunities, collaborate to enhance our work, and commit to serving the public in my role at the East Bay Regional Park District.”

Chief Filice will be sworn in and begin his role with the Park District on January, 22, 2024.

Original Article

Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice tells KION he is resigning from his job at Salinas P.D. effective January 21, 2024.

Filice was appointed to chief of the Salinas Police Department back in 2021, serving as Assistant Chief for four years before then.

In a statement to staff, Filice said "recent political events have necessitates my transition to a new department."

He went on to say despite the change he believes Salinas PD is a "top-notch" police department and said he's proud of the contributions made to the department.

"Throughout my six years at SPD, we have weathered both successful and tragic moments. However, no matter the circumstances, our team has remained resilient, compact, and unwavering in our commitment to serving our community. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated and hardworking individuals," said Filice.

Mayor Kimbley Craig responded to Filice's departure, calling it upsetting.

"He has been an incredible, community-based, in-the-field leader for both our residents and our officers at Salinas Police Department," said Mayor Craig. "I will always encourage good, talented people to advance their career, and I know Chief Filice will continue his excellent work with his new position in the East Bay."

We're reaching out to Filice to find out what new position he's taking on in the East Bay and are waiting for a response.

Read Chief Filice's full statement to staff below:

Dear SPD Team,

I hope this email finds you all in good health. It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you that I will be leaving my role as the leader of our esteemed department. My last day will be January 21, 2024.

Leading this department has been the pinnacle of my career, and I am immensely proud of the positive strides we have made together and the changes we have implemented over the years.

Throughout my six years at SPD, we have weathered both successful and tragic moments. However, no matter the circumstances, our team has remained resilient, compact, and unwavering in our commitment to serving our community. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated and hardworking individuals.

Regrettably, recent political events have necessitated my transition to a new department. Despite this change, I want to emphasize that SPD remains a top-notch police department, and I take pride in the contributions we have all made to its excellence.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and the outstanding achievements you have contributed to our department. Our collective efforts have made a lasting impact on the community we serve, and I am confident that the department will continue to thrive under new leadership.

As I embark on this new journey, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and memories of our time together. Thank you for being an incredible team, and I wish you all continued success and fulfillment in your roles.

Warm regards,

Roberto Filice, Chief of Police