San Jose's Police Chief To Retire, Join DA's Office

SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose police chief Anthony Mata will retire in March after 28 years with the department to take on a new role in the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, according to an announcement shared Tuesday.

Starting in April, Mata will begin a new appointment as the Investigations Bureau Chief at the DA's office.

"This decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to embark on a new role with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office," Mata said in a statement. "I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my career. It is the collaboration with the residents, community leaders, City Administration, Mayor and Council, and countless Department members who made being Chief of Police possible."

Mata thanked his colleagues for years of hard work and expressed his "full faith and confidence" that the department would continue to serve the community with high standards in his absence.

San Jose City Manager Jennifer Maguire credited Mata with implementing a five-pronged strategic plan, increasing diversity among sworn officers and building community trust by implementing of accountability measures and reform initiatives.

Mayor Matt Mahan shared the sentiment, thanking the chief for improving transparency and accountability.

"I want to thank Chief Mata for the years he has given to San Jose," Mahan said. "Safety relies on mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and the community — and during his tenure as Chief, Tony has won both the trust of the neighborhoods he protects and the respect of the force he leads."

City leaders said details on the recruitment process for Mata's replacement would be shared soon, aiming to name an interim chief before he retires in March.