Napa police Capt. Jennifer Gonzales has been named Napa’s next chief of police. Jennifer Gonzales has served with the Napa Police Department since 2015 and the City announced that she will start in her new role as police chief on Aug. 7th.
In her role as captain, Gonzales oversaw the Operations Division, served as the Administration Division captain overseeing the Dispatch Center, acted as the training manager, and was the department’s liaison with the State of California Alcohol Beverage Control liaison as well as the liaison for civil and legal claims against the NPD.
“I am incredibly honored and proud to be able to continue to serve the NPD and Napa as the next police chief,” said Gonzales. “I will continue to work tirelessly to lead this department of passionate men and women, and grow our department’s reputation within the community as a professional, progressive organization.”
“Captain Gonzales has proven herself to be a well-rounded and well-respected leader with established relationships throughout the community, and I look forward to working with her further to ensure public safety is a reality for all Napans,” said Napa City Manager Steve Potter, who in 2017 retired from his role of Napa police chief.
Based on feedback from the community and staff, Potter concluded the next police chief needed to be someone who is adept at building and maintaining relationships across all community groups and internally, has outstanding ethics and morals, is flexible and adaptable as well as someone who has technical competency and knows what it takes to be a good police officer. Potter recognizes that Gonzales possesses all of these traits and is the right person for the community and the Department.
Be sure to congratulate Jennifer Gonzales next time you see her around the community!